Why Is The Planning System Failing?

The system is creaking under huge pressure and the resourcing of local planning authorities and the planning inspectorate with skilled staff is a key issue, writes Peter Rainier, Principal Director of planning law firm DMH Stallard

The planning system is undoubtedly underfunded, whilst being subject to increasing complexity and this leads to inevitable delays. There are several issues, but key amongst them is the resourcing of local planning authorities and the planning inspectorate with suitably skilled staff – the system is creaking under huge pressure 

Extensive documentation is required with applications to consider, depending on the site and scale of the proposal: ground conditions, land stability, ecology, drainage, flood risk, highway safety, travel plans, energy/sustainability, arboriculture, biodiversity net gain, visual and landscape impact, noise, air quality, energy, heritage, public engagement… I could go on. These expert reports are required for