The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has released findings from its survey on local authority planning capacity, revealing a sobering picture of the challenges facing the planning profession in England.
This new research builds on findings from the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), underscoring long-standing concerns about the pressure on planning services.
The findings highlight a range of critical issues, including recruitment, retention, and skills gaps, which are placing considerable strain on local authorities’ ability to meet growing demands.
The survey, which was conducted between July and September 2023, was sent to 327 local authorities, including National Parks, and saw responses from 118 authorities.
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, commented on the report, emphasising the urgent need for investment in the planning system. “After all, without a fully funded planning system, the goal of delivering 1.5 million new, sustainable, and community-focused developments will remain challenging,” said Dr Hills.
In October, recognising the resourcing strain from inside the planning profession, the Government announced a £46 million investment package to support local planning authorities. The investment aims to address the skills gap and ensure local authorities are equipped to implement the reforms needed to unlock housing delivery across the country.
“The Government has set an ambitious housebuilding target for the next five years, and has acknowledged time and again the importance of the planning profession in achieving those ambitions,” commented Dr Hills.
