Labour could shut planning bodies to speed up building

Ministers could slash the number of official bodies that get a say in planning decisions in a drive to cut red tape.

- CAITLIN DOHERTY

Officials will consult on removing Sport England, the Theatres Trust and the Garden History Society from the list of "statutory consultees", while the scope of others who get to give input is set to be narrowed.

Angela Rayner has said reforms are needed to ensure the system is “sensible and balanced” as the government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes this parliament. However, one of the bodies set to be removed from the list has rejected the idea that they are an impediment to growth.

Reforms set out today will also state that councils should only be going to statutory consultees when it is necessary to do so, and decisions should not be delayed beyond the standard 21-day deadline.

Officials have also said the scope of other statutory consultees will be narrowed to focus in on heritage, safety and environmental protection.