Chamber sets out planning asks for region

East Midlands Chamber has outlined its planning asks for the region as part of a national consultation by the Government.

Speeding up planning permission and bringing in the private sector to support local authorities are among asks set out by the chamber.

Government proposals include the building of 1.5 million new homes across the UK, broadening the definition of brownfield land and support for renewable energy.

Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The planning system has needed significant reform for years.

“Development takes far too long in the East Midlands, it costs too much and that’s a barrier to businesses unlocking growth, investing, creating new jobs and to the UK’s transition to net zero, as infrastructure projects get delayed.

“Staffing issues at councils can be helped by the private sector stepping in; access to the National Grid needs to be easier for renewable energy production and local plans need to reflect the reality of how people live, work and move.”

Respondents have until 24 September to express their views at https://consult.communities.gov.uk/planning/planning-reform/ .