An OSWESTRY based business has welcomed what they call ‘the most radical reforms to England’s planning system’ since the Second World War, which were announced this week by the government.

Roger Parry & Partners, in Salop Road, welcomed the government’s pledge to start a new approach to planning, announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, just a week after the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced planning permission extensions last week to counteract the delays caused by the coronavirus lockdown.

A planning paper is due to be published next month setting out the radical reforms set for September.

Mr Johnson said: “Why are we so slow at building homes by comparison with other European countries?”

“Because time is money, and the newt-counting delays in our system are a massive drag on the productivity and the prosperity of this country and so we will build better and build greener but we will also build faster and that is why the Chancellor and I have set up ‘Project Speed’ to scythe through red tape and get things done.”

Richard Corbett, planning expert and partner with Roger Parry & Partners, warmly welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement.

He said: “The positive messages relating to planning we are getting out of Westminster are very much welcomed and a refreshing attitude towards the difficulties we have faced for many years with delays to planning applications.

If this ‘project speed’ materialises it will be a boost for our clients looking to gain planning permission.”

Changes will include:

Reform of the Use Classes Order with COU without an approval process in some cases

COU/Conversion for a wider range of commercial buildings without planning permission

Prior approval for household properties to be extended upwards

Fast track route for the demolition and rebuilding of vacant buildings for new homes