RICS comments on UK Government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) comments on the UK Government’s tabling of the Planning & Infrastructure Bill:

“RICS welcomes the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to unlock the planning system and drive the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes.

“These reforms will be crucial to tackle the bureaucracy that is standing in the way of new homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure.

“Investing in our built and natural environment now, will help us realise the homes and places that we need for the future.”

Justin Young, RICS CEO

“RICS welcomes the new Planning & Infrastructure Bill, the next phase of planning system reform, following the National Planning Policy Framework earlier this year, which aims to speed up the delivery of deliver of crucial infrastructure across the UK.

“Getting these reforms right is crucial for achieving the ambitious plans for building that the UK Government set out last summer. Retaining important judicial reviews while limiting the scope for vexatious delays is a proportionate response. This together with an overall reduction in bureaucracy will prove crucial for getting more building projects off the ground. The bill provides a necessary balance between the need to boost building developments, whilst protecting the natural world through a nature restoration fund, driving green initiatives.

“RICS will continue to provide its expertise to the government as it seeks to further reform the planning system and reach the target of 1.5 million new homes over this Parliament.”

Tony Mulhall, RICS Senior Specialist – Land & Resources

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About RICS

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

For more information:

Kris Hicks

Khicks@rics.org