Should it be easier to build things in Britain? Have your say
The government has vowed to overhaul the planning system, making it simpler to construct projects of all scales and more challenging to hinder developments. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that these reforms will repair a "broken system" and prevent "NIMBYs" (a term used to describe local residents' opposition to development projects) from delaying valuable schemes.
Have your say! Should building things in Britain be easier? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
As part of the government's latest plans to reform the planning system, it will become more difficult to launch legal challenges against major infrastructure projects, such as roads, nuclear power plants, wind farms, and railways. However, some campaigners argue that this will actually slow down construction and potentially lead to unsightly wind farms scattered across the countryside, according to the Express.
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The government claims that data shows over half of all major infrastructure projects end up in court, delaying decisions by an average of 18 months. Substantial legal costs are also incurred, causing projects to run over schedule and budget, making them less appealing.
The Prime Minister said: "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 the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons action group, criticised: "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."
"There are plenty of examples where modifying a project rather than forcing it through could speed up the process. Instead of proposing to blanket the countryside with pylons, which will inevitably lead to opposition, Starmer could examine more beneficial ways to upgrade the grid for consumers, commuters, and the environment. His choice of the tougher path is likely to delay results."
The government has set sights on transforming local council planning strategies too, hoping to sidestep delays and uncertainties faced by developers as it commits to erecting 1.5 million new homes. Councils are already contending with new homebuilding targets and rules regarding greenbelt lands, community services, as well as affordable and social housing provisions.
Have your say! Should building things in Britain be easier? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.