Councils deny planning system is a barrier to housebuilding

Local authority leaders have warned there is no evidence that unnecessary delays in the planning process are holding up development.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has welcomed plans to welcomed plans to speed up the planning process – announced in yesterday’s Queen’s Speech – denied the current system was a barrier to housebuilding.

Cllr Peter Box, planning spokesman at the LGA, said councils approved almost nine out of 10 planning applications and the number of homes being given the go-ahead by local authorities during 2015 was the highest since 2007.

He said: ‘There is little evidence to suggest development is being delayed by planning conditions.

‘They provide a vital role, enabling planning permissions to go ahead which would otherwise be refused or delayed while the details are worked out.

‘They can also save developers time and money…