An open consultation on a radical overhaul of the planning system in England was launched on 6^th August by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) which runs until 29^th October 2020. Implementation of the proposed reforms will completely alter the way local plans are prepared, how land is designated for development, how development management is conducted and how planning related data is collected and shared.

• Briefing Notes for Town and Parish Councils - Aug 20 (Word Document, 25 Kb)

This consultation seeks views on a range of proposed changes to the current planning system including: • changes to the standard method for assessing local housing need • securing of First Homes through developer contributions • temporarily lifting the small sites threshold • extending the current Permission in Principle to major development

• Changes to the Current Planning Systems - August 2020 (PDF, 493 Kb)

This consultation seeks any views on each part of a package of proposals for reform of the planning system in England to streamline and modernise the planning process, improve outcomes on design and sustainability, reform developer contributions and ensure more land is available for development where it is needed.

• Planning for the Future - White Paper - August 2020 (PDF, 4.1 Mb)