A new Planning and Infrastructure Bill to accelerate the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and housing and a bill devolving powers to elected mayors and combined authorities were announced in the King’s Speech.

The Devolution Bill for England would establish an “ambitious standardised” framework to expedite the process of transferring powers. A document published alongside the speech states that the new bill will establish a “simpler process” for setting up new combined and combined county authorities and moving towards “advanced mayoral settlements.” Its aim is to facilitate the quick provision of devolved powers to more areas. However, there is currently very little information available about what the new framework will look like.

What does this mean for planning?

The proposed process aims to enhance decision-making by granting additional authority over strategic planning, local transport networks, and skills and employment support. It will also facilitate the implementation of local growth plans that generate economic benefits for communities.

We are looking forward to hearing more about how Labour’s plan to devolve power will be put into action. However, this will not be a quick process, in the meantime, we can expect further details on short-term changes to policy by the end of July, whereby revisions to the NPPF can be expected to be published for a period of consultation.

Please do not hesitate to contact our planning team for more information regarding the potential changes.
advice@wilsonwraight.co.uk
01284 700727

Published 18th July 2024