Savills has responded to the Government’s Planning Reform Working Paper, supporting the move towards a more strategic approach to addressing environmental impacts in the planning system.
We recognise the potential benefits of shifting from project-specific assessments to strategic delivery plans, which could provide greater clarity, efficiency, and confidence for developers while achieving meaningful environmental outcomes.
In our response, we highlight the importance of Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) in identifying opportunities for strategic environmental enhancements and improving consistency across local authorities. We also emphasise the need for well-resourced delivery bodies, robust governance structures, and transparent monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of strategic approaches.
Additionally, we urge the Government to consider how this framework could better address challenges such as nutrient and water neutrality, biodiversity net gain, and impacts on the National Sites Network. Aligning planning and environmental permitting regimes, ensuring financial viability for small developers, and improving the implementation of mitigation measures are key areas where further refinement is needed.
Our response can be read in full here.