Title

PLANNING

Queen's Speech: New law to 'modernise' planning system

The Government has pledged to push ahead with reforms to the planning system in order to meet housebuilding targets.

The Government has pledged to push ahead with reforms to the planning system in order to meet housebuilding targets.

Under the reforms, councils will use a zoning system to assign growth, protection or renewal zones in their local plans.

In growth areas, automatic planning permission will be given to developments that meet certain criteria, replacing the current system of deciding planning permission on a case-by-case basis.

The Queen said: 'Laws to modernise the planning system so that more homes can be built will be brought forward.'

Today's speech also included a new building safety law to ensure a tragedy like Grenfell was 'never repeated'.

PLANNING

Local Power Plan will fail unless we share power, not just infrastructure

By Emily Morrison | 24 February 2026

Emily Morrison says that done right, the Local Power Plan could help build local resilience for decades ahead.

PLANNING

Who is responsible for regeneration?

By Jack Shaw | 16 December 2025

The regeneration landscape is ill-defined and fragmented, says Jack Shaw. Is there a need to clarify the role of local authorities in delivering projects?

PLANNING

Budget: The effects on combined and strategic authorities

By Tiffany Cloynes | 05 December 2025

Tiffany Cloynes looks at at the financial implications of the Budget for combined authorities and strategic authorities. She says that while the introduction...

PLANNING

How new mayoral powers could reshape housing and planning

By David Blackman | 19 September 2025

With the English Devolution Bill gaining momentum, David Blackman assesses what new housing and planning powers are likely to be given to mayoral strategic a...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman