Victoria Hills, chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), has responded to the spring budget 2023.
On the budget overall Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “There is much in this budget that will allow planners to have a direct impact on the growth the Chancellor is seeking. It provides the opportunity for plan-led solutions beneficial for the environment, economy and regeneration.
On nutrient neutrality, Victoria Hills said: “Consultations on nutrient neutrality, announced today could offer planning authorities a locally-led approach to tackling an issue that has delayed housebuilding across the country. We have been calling for a resolution to this problem, and these consultations make it clear that Government is taking steps towards a sensible solution.
On the new ‘trailblazer’ deals for Metro Mayors, Victoria Hills said: “Decisions to provide Mayors in Manchester and Birmingham with greater control over multi-year funding and policy priorities like housing and transport will open the door for more strategic planning from our members. By working collaboratively, planners can help deliver well-designed, sustainably developed places for communities to thrive.
On the promise of 12 investment zones, Victoria Hills said: “When Investment Zones were first announced last year, we warned that they would only succeed if they came with local consent. New Investment Zones announced today reflect these concerns and do more to help local leaders use existing planning levers to stimulate growth through the planning system.
On funding for the planning system, Victoria Hills said: “It remains the case that without the increased resourcing for planning services, long called for by the RTPI, the system will still struggle to deliver all it can. The Government’s proposed planning fees increase remains an important opportunity to alleviate the pressure placed on England’s planning services and we’ll be responding to that consultation shortly.”
