Planning 2020 – the Raynsford Review

November 21, 2018

The final report of the Raynsford Review of Planning in England was launched on 20 November by the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA). William Upton  is a member of the Review Task Force.

For those who are understandably tired of changes to the system, the key message of the Review is that change is inevitable because the current system is unstable, unpopular and inefficient. The only question is whether change will be systematic, evidenced based and sensible. In place of short-term tinkering, we need to take a long, hard look at the fundamentals – the purpose of planning, how it can best be structured, and how all parties can engage most constructively in the planning process.

There are 24 recommendations. One of the key ones is that there should be a new legal duty to deliver sustainable development in England, that  “The purpose of the planning system is to positively promote the long-term sustainable development of the nation and the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals. In the Planning Acts, ‘sustainable development’ means:

  • managing the use, development and protection of land, the built environment and natural resources in a way which enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing while sustaining the potential of future generations to meet their own needs; and
  • promoting social justice and reducing inequality.”

The Report is available here