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Spotlight on Planning 2024

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How well is the planning system in England positioned to deliver strategic growth objectives? With a general election imminent, what could an incoming government easily change to improve the way the system operates without the need for extensive and disruptive reform?

Our 11th annual planning research report assesses what the data tells us about the current performance of the planning system, the challenges around aligning infrastructure, housing and economic objectives, and consider the potential for planning to drive economic growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Local Plan coverage remains incomplete after the prolonged uncertainty of recent reform. Only a fifth of LPAs have a Local Plan that has been adopted or reviewed within the last five years.
  • The number of new planning consents granted has fallen below the number of new homes being completed for the first time since 2008/09, suggesting a substantial contraction in future supply.
  • Housing delivery is not aligning with economic growth. There is a shortfall in local plans of over 35,000 homes against standard method need calculations in the areas with the highest forecast economic growth over the next five years.

READ OUR ARTICLES BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PLANNING

Taking stock: an NPPF timeline

With the General Election now due to take place on Thursday 4th July, we are beginning to see proposals coming forward from the main political parties relating to housing land supply and planning in England, with further announcements expected as campaigning continues.

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Planning as a tool to unlock growth

Boosting economic growth is a key focus for both major parties in the run up to the General Election, appearing in both Labour’s 5 missions, and the Conservatives’ 5 top priorities.



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Planning data update 

Despite improving rates of plan adoption, only one in five English local authorities have an up to date local plan.





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