LPDF Welcomes New Secretary of State Steve Reed

The only constant, so it is said, is change. Whilst on the one hand, a new Secretary of State at MHCLG will need some time to get up-to-speed, on the other hand, a new Secretary of State can add fresh impetus to the Government's reform agenda.

Our Chairman, Paul Brocklehurst has today written to Steve Reed welcoming him to his role and making the point that we have been very supportive of the drive to ensure a planning system that brings forward much-needed new homes, commercial development, and new infrastructure as quickly as possible. The December 2024 version of the NPPF, for example, was a bold step that made a positive difference to the mood of and activity within the development sector.

Paul has made the point to Mr Reed though that to make a significant difference to the delivery of new homes and commercial development within this Parliament more needs to be done and needs to be done very, very quickly.

We have respectfully suggested that Mr Reed's focus during the early part of his tenure should be the following:

• A set of statutory NDMPs that are positively framed, pro-growth, and reflect the Government’s ambitions to significantly increase the delivery of new homes, commercial development, and supporting infrastructure:
• Tackling barriers to development such as the capacity of the electricity supply network, the water supply network, and sewage treatment capacity- Increasing resources within LPAs and the other organisations involved in the determination of planning applications;
• Standardising Section 106 Agreements and the use of planning conditions;
• A robust and detailed National Scheme of Delegation that improves the consistency and certainty of decision-making;
• Addressing day-to-day 'coalface' development management issues such as surface water flood risk, nutrient and water neutrality, recreational impact mitigation and viability challenges; and
• Positively encouraging the delivery of up-to-date local plans across the country and to ensure that these documents are consistent with the NPPF, the Government’s ambitions, and are kept up-to-date with regular reviews in line with the awaited new local plan-making process.
  
  These are some of the key issues that the LPDF believe would make a huge impact on our members' ability to deliver significant new development as quickly as possible.

Image credit: Steven Reed ©House of Commons