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

The ongoing construction at the Bendigo building site in Bath Street, Nottingham
-Credit:Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC


The government has committed to reforming the planning system, aiming to simplify the process of building projects of all sizes and making it more challenging to obstruct developments. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that these reforms will rectify a "broken system" and prevent "NIMBYs" - a term referring to residents opposing local development projects - from hindering valuable schemes.

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

Under the government's latest proposals to overhaul the planning system, legal challenges to significant infrastructure projects such as roads, nuclear power plants, windfarms and railways will be made more difficult. However, some campaigners argue that this could actually slow down construction and risk unsightly windfarms scattered across the countryside, according to the Express.

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The government claims that data indicates 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 overrun in terms of time and budget, thus reducing their appeal.

The Prime Minister declared: "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, leader of the 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 also plans to reform local council planning processes, aiming to reduce delays and uncertainties for housebuilders as they aim to deliver 1.5 million new homes. Councils have been set new housing targets, with fresh regulations regarding greenbelt land, local amenities, and provisions for affordable and social housing.

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