UKGBC launches a joint vision for planning

Eighteen major organisations and charities have come together to lay out a better toolkit for deciding what gets built and where

UKGBC, working with 17 other organisations, has today launched a Joint vision for planning. This is a new, solution-focused vision, laying out what a planning system fit for the 21st century will look like.

The new vision was produced in response to the planning proposals announced by the government in August 2020, which were the most radical changes to the planning system seen since the creation of the system as we know it in 1947.

These proposals – over which tens of thousands of you have already voiced concerns – would hand power to developers and result in disasters for our local democracy, the environment and the climate.

The vision was launched at a virtual debate which included speaker Housing Minister Chris Pincher MP, and was chaired by London City Hall’s Night Czar Amy Lamé.

Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at UKGBC, said:

“The Government’s proposed planning reforms do not adequately reflect the important role of the planning system as a key strategic vehicle for decarbonising the economy, enhancing climate resilience and reversing biodiversity decline. If we are to deliver new development that does not compromise our progress towards net zero, the planning system – as outlined in this paper – must ensure all new buildings are net zero by 2030 at the latest, with new homes to be net zero as soon as possible.”

Tom Fyans, CPRE deputy chief executive, said:

“Today, we’re calling on the government to plan back better and work with us to develop a planning system that puts people, and tackling the climate and ecological emergencies, at its heart. We all deserve a home we can genuinely afford to live in, and to have a say in shaping the communities around us.”

UKGBC’s response to “Planning for the Future” White Paper consultation can be found here.

Related