Accelerated Planning System consultation (DLUHC):

The UK government has launched a consultation to expedite the planning process and facilitate essential housing, commercial, and infrastructure development. Here are the key proposals related to infrastructure:

  1. Accelerated Planning Service for Major Commercial Applications:
  • Introduce a new service with a 10-week decision time for major commercial applications.
  • Applicants will receive fee refunds if the decision time is not met.
  1. Expanded Simplified Written Representations Appeals Process:
  • Extend the existing process (used for householder and minor commercial appeals) to more appeals.
  • This streamlining will enhance efficiency and reduce delays.
  1. Implementation of Section 73B:
  • Apply this section to applications to vary planning permissions and address overlapping permissions.
  • This measure aims to simplify the process and encourage timely adjustments.

These proposals aim to provide greater certainty to applicants and enable timely delivery of crucial infrastructure projects. The consultation is open until May 1, 2024.

techUK’s interest and seeking members’ views:

  1. The department is interested to receive views on whether there is scope for Environmental Impact Assessment development to also be covered by an Accelerated Planning Service.
  2. Do you consider that the Accelerated Planning Service could be extended to:
  1. major infrastructure development
  2.  major residential development
  3. any other development

 

Teodora Kaneva

Teodora Kaneva

Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems, techUK

 

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