The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has set out its legislative proposals for the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, urging critical reforms to ensure the planning system can meet housing targets and drive economic growth.

The Government has prioritised planning reforms to “get Britain building.” However, the RTPI has warned that, without proper resourcing and leadership structures in local authorities, planners will struggle to meet the Government’s goals.

Research shows that public spending on planning dropped 16% from 2009 to 2022. Reforming planning without investing in its capacity risks missing out on over £70 billion in potential value.
To unlock this potential and meet the government’s housing, infrastructure and planning ambitions, the RTPI calls for:

Statutory Chief Planning Officers: Only 23% of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) have a head of planning reporting to the Chief Executive. A statutory Chief Planning Officer will ensure planners have a seat at the leadership table.

Well-resourced planning system: The RTPI urges the Government to publish a long-term strategy for capacity and resourcing to address the underfunding and understaffing of local planning teams.

Purpose of planning in legislation: Including a statutory purpose of planning in the Bill will improve public understanding and trust in the system, reducing misinformation at local planning committees.

No new unfunded legislative duties: Any additional responsibilities for LPAs must come with proper funding and consideration of current resource limitations.

Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “As planning reforms continue to take shape in England, we have a once-in-a-decade chance to get this right. Planning and the professional work of our members has rightly been given the recognition it deserves in tackling the country’s housing and infrastructure challenges.

“The Government has made clear how important planning is to deliver its growth plans, and we will work hard to ensure that planning remains at the top table, backed by the necessary resources and leadership to deliver sustainable, vibrant communities for everyone.”