How can the planning system deliver the housing and other development Britain needs?’
Private round table at Labour Party Conference, Brighton
Author: Localis |
‘How can the planning system deliver the housing and other development Britain needs?’
Localis in association with Commercial Estates Group will be hosting a private invite-only roundtable discussion on the effectiveness of the planning system at Labour Party Conference in Brighton on the afternoon of Monday 28th September.
The Coalition Government introduced a number of changes to try and make the planning system operate more effectively and the Summer Budget has seen further tweaks as the desire to catalyse residential, commercial, retail and other development becomes stronger. And with the new Government prioritising housebuilding as a central theme for this Parliament, there is no shortage of pressure to deliver. Although in opposition in Westminster, the role of Labour councils will be vital in facilitating this increase. This is particularly so given the Party’s dominance of urban authorities where demand for new development is often particularly high; the likelihood that some of these authorities will be taking on significant new housing and planning powers as part of their devolution deals; and the growing need for councils to facilitate growth in order to remain financially sustainable.
Bringing together senior figures from central and local government and other relevant stakeholders, this roundtable will consider whether the current planning system is fit-for-purpose for meeting England’s economic and social needs, or whether more change is needed. The event will be entirely private and conducted under the Chatham House rule; the discussion will be structured around the following questions:
-
Are the New Homes Bonus and Business Rates Retention strong enough incentives to encourage housebuilding and commercial development? How will greater devolution of planning powers (especially to directly-elected metro mayors) affect residential and commercial development? Could it lead to a revisited and reformed green belt?
-
What else can local and central government do to encourage residential and commercial development?
-
Does the current system allow for sufficient inter-authority co-operation over infrastructure provision?
The roundtable will be on Monday 28th September at 2:45pm and will be held at Casalingo restaurant, 29 Preston Street, BN1 2HP, a short (5 minute) stroll from the Conference Centre. If you would be interested in hearing more about this event, please contact Jack Airey on jack.airey@localis.org.uk.