The Queen this week confirmed that the government would introduce new proposals next year to overhaul the planning system
Although there was no mention of a rumoured planning bill, the Queen said in her speech: ‘My government will publish proposals to reform the planning system.’
The statement has been taken as a promise that the government will aim to produce a white paper in the new year focusing on planning improvements for infrastructure and energy projects.
The government has admitted that the planning process takes too long and the outcome can be uncertain.
Last year, the government asked economist Kate Barker to report on how the planning system can better deliver economic growth and prosperity alongside other sustainable development goals.
It will include proposals for reforms of the planning system. The government will bring together the different strands on reform of the planning system, including for infrastructure projects, and will publish proposals for further reform in spring 2007.