BPF urges planning overhaul starting with councillor training

The British Property Federation (BPF) has called for a massive overhaul of the planning system, with councillors to be trained in planning matters.

In a 12-point plan to speed up decisions, the body proposes developers contribute resources to help local councils process applications.

It also calls for councillors to receive formal training to allow them to make more informed decisions.

Other recommendations include letting smaller applications be dealt with by planning “technicians” to free up the availability of senior planners to work on major schemes.

Sue Willcox, BPF planning committee chair and head of town planning at Sainsbury’s told the Daily Telegraph: “We need to reform the way we work.

“We’ve seen examples of developers having to resubmit entire applications simply because of very minor changes.

“Councils demand far too much information out of fear of judicial review of decisions – this is something the government needs to amend.”