With the Government launching new consultations on the National Planning Policy Framework – Shannon Fuller, Planning Adviser, Country Land and Business Association (CLA) explains the importance of planning reform for our rural communities and businesses.
The planning system in its current state is impacting the rural economy and preventing the growth of rural businesses. In 2023, a CLA survey identified that 93% of respondents felt that the planning system was preventing economic growth in the countryside. In 2024, a follow up CLA member survey showed that 73% of members said they had abandoned plans to invest in their business because of a lack of faith in the planning system. The rural economy is 16% less productive than the national average. Closing this gap could add up to £43bn to the economy but to do this, changes must be made to the planning regime.
The need to address both backlogs with the planning system and skills shortages must be considered with absolute urgency. There is a lack of planning officers at a local authority level and this not only contributes to delays but also skills shortages. There is a distinctive la
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