Editor: The Town and Country Planning Association survey findings are no surprise, but hugely frustrating given the focus on sustainability, climate change and now, driving a green economy (‘Most planning committees fail to “seriously consider” climate crisis’).
Put simply, planning committees at a local level lack the skills, independence or knowledge to ensure they address sustainability issues.
I suggest this is less about resources and more the need for a wholesale review of how independent planning decisions are delivered. There needs to be a greater focus on sustainable growth, raising the quality of developments and meeting sustainable development goals in 2030 and net-zero target by 2050.
Planning structures must become more independent, with greater transparency and a new informed approach through greater public-private engagement in the decision-making process.
This would help forge a green economy and enable us to build better and more sustainably.
Jason Longhurst, chairman, UK Business Council for Sustainable Development
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