Initial White Paper Analysis

As we confront the scale of the health, climate and housing crises, the TCPA is concerned that the Planning White Paper fails to lay the foundations for a democratic and effective planning system.

The TCPA has been clear for some time that there is a need for reform of the English planning system. We agree with the government that planning is important and that the system is central to tackling important national issues including the need for genuinely affordable homes, combating climate change, improving biodiversity and levelling up the nation. We are also clear that poor quality outcomes from the planning system undermine people’s health, safety, wellbeing and life chances.

While we recognise the government wants to move at speed, it is essential that we get these reforms right.

We are concerned that while there is positive language about design and empowerment in the White Paper, there is a disconnect between that and the specific proposals.