Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system

Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system: IET comments to the consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on 23 September 2024.

The IET has responded to a consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This consultation was seeking views on their proposals to revising the National Planning Policy Framework to achieve sustainable growth in the planning system.

They also asked for views on wider proposals regarding Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

The IET’s recommendations are:

• Upskilling is critical across the wider supply chain to allow for total utilisation of advanced technologies.
• Any changes to the planning systems need detailed consultation with input from a variety of stakeholders. This ensures the government has a joined up and long-term strategy alongside the necessary skills needed to deliver its commitments.
• The use of digital technologies could help deliver the UK’s ambitious sustainability and decarbonisation goals; particularly through technologies such as digital twins.