Queen’s Speech 2016: new rules to speed up planning process

Local authorities will only be allowed to impose pre-commencement planning conditions if they are deemed ‘absolutely necessary’.

Under the Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the government has pledged to speed up the delivery of new developments to support its target for one million new homes.

The bill states: ‘The new legislation would tackle the overuse, and in some cases, misuse of certain planning conditions, and thereby ensure that development, including new housing, can get underway without unnecessary delay.’

The bill also includes measures to make the compulsory purchase order process ‘clearer, fairer and faster’ with a new framework for paying compensation.