Weekly planning news

English Devolution Whitepaper Mandates Spatial Development Strategies Nationwide

The English Devolution Whitepaper, published on Monday, 16 December, has unveiled a requirement for all areas across the country to develop spatial development strategies. These high-level plans are designed to be drafted quickly, with greater detail to be provided later in local plans prepared by individual authorities.

The government has made clear its intention to intervene if these strategies are not produced on time, including taking the step of preparing the plans themselves.

Strategic authorities—either formally combined authorities or collaborative groups—will be responsible for producing the new plans. This approach aims to encourage joint efforts in assessing housing needs and addressing wider challenges.

 You can find out more of Planning Resource.¹

Planning Reform Working Paper Proposes Overhaul for Development and Nature Recovery

The government has unveiled a working paper addressing the critical link between development and nature recovery. The paper draws on the current system’s inefficiency in driving meaningful environmental improvements, citing the small-scale nature of changes and wasted resources on creating plans for individual developments.

To tackle nature recovery, the government proposes a shift toward strategic action, led by a centralised delivery body. This approach would introduce environmental plans for defined areas, funded by developer contributions based on the size and type of their projects.

The working paper outlines three core components to ensure the system operates effectively for all stakeholders:

1. A strategic framework detailing the overarching environmental actions required.
2. A delivery plan within the framework, focusing on large-scale environmental impacts.
3. Delivery bodies to assess environmental issues, set actions and costs, and monitor outcomes from developer contributions.

For developers, this reform simplifies obligations. With a delivery plan in place, a single payment will cover environmental requirements, with costs detailed in a public schedule for transparency and early financial planning.

An example provided in the paper demonstrates how the scheme could resolve the ongoing nutrient neutrality issues delaying hundreds of thousands of developments.

The government is seeking responses to these proposals, which, if adopted, will see the first delivery plans introduced alongside the forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

Visit the Government's website to find out more.²

1. https://www.planningresource.co.uk/article/1900209/groups-councils-produce-high-level-strategic-spatial-plans-end-parliament
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-reform-working-paper-development-and-nature-recovery