Should it be easier to build things in Britain? Have your say

The government has unveiled plans to overhaul the planning system, aiming to streamline the process for projects of all sizes and limit the ability to block developments. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to fix the "broken system" and prevent "NIMBYs" (residents opposing local projects) from hindering valuable schemes.

Have your say! Should building things in Britain be easier? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

As part of the reforms, the government intends to make it more challenging to launch legal challenges against major infrastructure projects, such as roads, nuclear power plants, wind farms, and railways. However, some campaigners argue that this could ultimately slow down construction and lead to unsightly developments, like wind farms, scattered across the countryside, according to the Express.

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Government data reveals that over half of all major infrastructure projects end up in court, causing delays averaging 18 months and incurring significant legal costs. This can lead to projects exceeding timelines and budgets, making them less viable.

The Prime Minister stated: "For too long, blockers have had the upper hand in legal challenges using our court processes to frustrate growth. We're putting an end to this challenge culture by taking on the NIMBYs and a broken system that has slowed down our progress as a nation."

"This is the Government's Plan for Change in action taking the brakes off Britain by reforming the planning system so it is pro-growth and pro-infrastructure."

Rosie Pearson, founder of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons action group, commented: "Starmer is tinkering with the system and missing the point. If infrastructure promoters took on board stakeholder concerns, and worked with communities on alternatives when a project is considered unsuitable, there would be less need for legal challenge."

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"There are many examples where amending a project instead of bulldozing it through the system, would result in quicker delivery. Instead of threatening to carpet the countryside with pylons, for example, which will result in battles, Starmer could look at the evidence for upgrading the grid in a way that is better for consumers, commuters and the environment. He is choosing the difficult approach and that will slow down delivery."

The government has also set its sights on revamping local council planning systems to cut back on delays and uncertainty for housebuilders, as part of their commitment to deliver 1.5 million new homes. Councils have been hit with new housebuilding targets, alongside fresh regulations concerning greenbelt land, local amenities, and the provision of affordable and social housing.

Have your say! Should building things in Britain be easier? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.