Industry warns simplified planning system must work for rural economy 'in practice'

It follows Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement on June 30 that ‘new regulations will give greater freedom for buildings and land in our town centres to change use without planning permission and create new homes for the regeneration of vacant and redundant buildings’.

Changes to the law are expected to come into effect by September and have been welcomed by the CLA.

CLA president, Mark Bridgeman, said: “At a time when many people are understandably considering leaving the city for a more rural life, we must ensure the rural economy is fit for purpose; an effective, efficient and proportionate planning system is a key component of delivering that.

“A simplified planning regime will facilitate the economic recovery we desperately need, delivering jobs, homes and much-improved environmental and natural capital resources."