Planning System Consultations

Michael Gove Excerpts

Tuesday 28th February 2023 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Michael Gove)]

Today I have launched two formal consultations on proposals to improve the planning system to support measures in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

Planning fees

Planning application fees provide essential income for local planning authorities to be able to deliver their planning service.

This consultation seeks views on proposals to increase planning fees by 35 per cent. for major applications and 25 per cent. for all other applications, including proposals for fees indexation, to support greater resourcing and financial sustainability for local planning authorities. The consultation also seeks views on how the Government can provide additional support for building capacity and capability in local planning authorities.

All applicants should be able to benefit from a high-quality and timely planning service, so the consultation also asks for views on new performance measures.

This consultation closes on 25 April 2023.

Permitted development rights

National permitted development rights play an important role in the planning system, providing flexibility and reducing bureaucracy. This consultation asks for views on a new permitted development right for temporary recreational campsites and changes to existing rights to further support film-making and local authority-led electric vehicle charge points.

In addition, and as committed to in the Government’s British Energy Security Strategy, this consultation seeks views on changes to the existing rights for solar equipment. As part of this, we are also proposing a new right to allow for the installation of solar canopies in ground-level off-street car parks in non-domestic settings.

This consultation closes on 25 April 2023.

A copy of both documents will be deposited in the Library of both Houses.

[HCWS587]