The private sector can aid councils

Meanwhile, a report on the Borough Council of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk warned that an average application caseload of 177 was placing “extreme pressure” on its officers; and a review of Isle of Wight Council found that its planning function was resulting in a “bottleneck” of decision-making.

The current LPA staff shortages are unprecedented, resulting in delays to new homes and infrastructure. Furthermore, design codes, environmental impact assessments and the Infrastructure Levy will add to the demands, which are already stretched due to the Environment Act, nutrient neutrality and First Homes, among others.

The National Model Design Code pilot feedback stated that a learning curve was required, as “with a few exceptions local authorities were not set up to deliver design coding in-house”. It added that overcoming skills, capacity and organisational barriers was a necessary investment for LPAs that did not wish to rely on developers to produce design codes.

But this potential for the public sector to work with the private sector should not be portrayed so negatively. With pressure on LPAs already exacerbating the housing crisis, an urgent solution is needed.

The levelling-up bill’s likely increase in planning fees is potentially helpful, but will come with strict performance targets. Furthermore, planning fees are unlikely to be ring-fenced and so may not benefit planning teams.

The short-term problem cannot be addressed through longer-term initiatives to attract and develop planners, although this remains important. Instead, there is an immediate solution to be found in utilising the private sector, specifically to compensate for the functions that previously existed in the public sector.

Ultimately, sharing skills and developing experience can benefit individuals, LPAs and the communities they serve.

Michelle Quan is an associate director at planning consultancy Boyer