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We had 5,756 responses to our planning survey, with a wide variety of views being expressed. This is a summary of what we found:
(Note that the following quotes are the views of survey respondents, not the Committee)
(Note that the following quotes are the views of survey respondents, not the Committee)
The vast majority of participants had responded to a planning application.
The public engagement survey had a clear leader in terms of the subject participants were most concerned with: there were over 1,200 references to nature, the environment, and wildlife.
Here's what one respondent had to say:
Here's what one respondent had to say:
This was often linked to concerns about climate change and a wish for more sustainable development.
Another respondent said:
Another respondent said:
Participants favoured using brownfield site and reusing existing buildings over greenfield sites.
One person stated:
One person stated:
Of those who had been involved in the planning system, most were not satisfied with their experience
There were concerns voiced about parts of the planning system.
Here's a comment from the survey:
Here's a comment from the survey:
Many did not feel the process was fair.
More than half of respondents thought it was too easy for new houses and flats to be built in their area.
And opinion was divided on how many new homes local areas needed.
On nationwide housing targets 17% agreed with the Government, while many others thought fewer houses were needed.
Some respondents thought the current system generally worked fine, but noted the lack of resources.
One respondent said:
One respondent said:
Respondents generally supported the idea of a planning system where every specific proposal has to be considered, rather than one where proposals meeting pre-arranged criteria could automatically be approved.
A few respondents did support the Government’s proposals to reform the planning system.
Here's what one person said:
Here's what one person said:
Others sympathised with the idea, but not with the detail.
Another respondent commented:
Another respondent commented:
Most respondents were opposed to the reforms, for example saying they are too simplistic.
One person said:
One person said:
Others felt that the proposals take decision making powers away from local areas.
One respondent commented:
One respondent commented:
A point heavily emphasised in comments was the need to ensure infrastructure and public services are available.
Here's an example:
Here's an example:
There were calls to ensure new housing is affordable and sustainable.
For example:
For example:
Our survey is just a snapshot and may not be representative. But the comments we heard are really valuable.
You can read more about our inquiry on our website: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/634/the-future-of-the-planning-system-in-england/
You can read more about our inquiry on our website: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/634/the-future-of-the-planning-system-in-england/
