Property body backs plans to simplify planning rules

The British Property Federation (BPF) has given the thumbs-up to government plans to simplify development consents for businesses.

The BPF said it welcomed ministers' response to the findings of the Penfold Review, which in July called for action to deal with what it called a "complex and fragmented landscape" of non-planning consents with which businesses must comply, such as environmental permits, highways orders, and heritage consents.

The federation said it hoped the study will now allow many developments to get under way and help regenerate towns and cities at a time when much development - particularly outside of London - remains challenging.

The BPF said it was not backing the abolition of checks and balances which environmental agencies and others provide; rather it was looking forward to the function of consent-giving being streamlined.

Michael Chambers, the BPF's associate director of special projects, said: "It is good news for the property industry and the UK economy that the government has in principle accepted the key recommendations of the review.

"We are particularly pleased the government is to establish a mechanism to ensure that departments and all non-planning consent decision-makers work together to provide oversight."