The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging for immediate improvements in the UK’s planning system to stimulate business investment, according to its new report, “Planning for Business – 2023 and Beyond”.
The report has been compiled by the BCC’s Planning Expert Panel, which consists of industry specialists who are chamber members.
Among the BCC’s immediate priorities are increased resources and digitisation for council planning teams and political stability on planning reform, allowing the system to operate unhindered for a lengthy period.
The BCC is also calling for more attention to the needs of businesses in the development management and plan-making process.
It advocates for better coordination between local and national infrastructure and emphasises the need to simplify grid connectivity for infrastructure projects and new building developments.
Furthermore, the report highlights the necessity for the planning system to support the transition to net-zero emissions and calls for a more robust appeals system to be implemented.
This call for reform comes in the context of new data from the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2023, which indicates a decline in the number of firms planning to increase investment. Specifically, the survey showed that 23% of firms planned to invest, down from 25% in Q1.
Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The planning system has a major role to play in helping to unleash the potential of British business. But all too often firms are left frustrated by a slow and complex process.”
Haviland added: “We urgently need more resources for local planning authority teams, greater stability of planning policy and more focus on the supply of land for business use.”
Reflecting on the survey data, Haviland noted, “Our research shows that as companies continue to face an unprecedented set of economic challenges, investment is suffering. An improved planning system would help unlock investment.”
She concluded by emphasising the importance of coordination between various levels of infrastructure projects. “Coordination between local and national infrastructure projects must be a key part of the long-term planning strategy. Recent speculation about the HS2 project is deeply concerning. It highlights why businesses and local authorities need certainty from government. That will give them confidence to plan and invest.”
