Respond to the Government's open consultation on reforms to England's planning system
The Government is running an open consultation on its proposals for sweeping reforms to England’s planning system, which it has presented in a white paper called ‘Planning For The Future’. Whilst we acknowledge that there are positive intentions within the white paper, currently out for review, these appear to be contradicted by proposals which would not deliver the stated aims.
Despite the welcome intention to enshrine ‘sustainable development’ into planning, it is our view that the current plans instead demonstrate a bias towards promoting private opportunity in development, bringing land forward and using a boost in construction to recover the economy, without giving due consideration to the impact on the natural environment, the climate or existing communities and buildings.
As such, we are responding with criticism of the proposals and suggestions of policies and initiatives that could help create a greener future.
There is huge opportunity here. The planning system must be changed to become a powerful lever in our battle to mitigate the worst of climate and ecological breakdown. But these proposals do not represent that change.
If you haven’t yet responded, use this opportunity to put the climate and ecological crisis at the core of the planning system. We encourage everyone to respond to the consultation before the deadline at 11.45pm on Thursday 29th October.
Here's what to do:
Share that you've responded on social media
Hashtag: #planningforagreenerfuture
ACAN!
ACAN is a network of individuals within architecture and related built environment professions taking action to address the twin crises of climate and ecological breakdown.