Will Fast-Tracking Building Approvals Kickstart The Economy? The government has pledged to overhaul the planning system from September in a bid to offer a lifeline to the dying high street trade. As the economy struggles to find a way out of the pandemic, the Prime Minister is urging the UK to forge ahead with plans to ‘build, build, build’ in a bid to kickstart recovery. Along with heavy investment into the hope of a ‘greener’ and ‘more beautiful’ country, the government has also transformed the planning system. This has been prioritised in both the residential and commercial sectors so that new buildings in local areas can encourage and support the growth of business. What Planning Changes Have Been Made? The changes that have been made to the existing planning system have been implemented to cut out some of the red tape, and allow for the fast-tracking of applications. From September, builders will not be required to obtain a planning application if they wish to demolish vacant commercial properties to be turned into residences. Additionally, property owners will be able to fast-track approvals allowing them to extend above their buildings to add extra space. Changes Of Use To Brownfield Sites The changes have been made by the government in a set of reforms designed to support high street revival and to create homes where people would prefer to live. Instead of brownfield sites lying vacant, whilst occupying prime positions, the reforms will make it easier to repurpose the land and turn it into housing. This will in turn reduce the pressure on greenfield land, thus benefitting the environment. High Street Under Stress The high street has long been threatened by changes to consumer behaviour, particularly with the advent of online spending. This has been exacerbated further during the pandemic, and now a vast number of retailers are at risk of permanent closure. The change to the planning system will help business owners and landlords by allowing them to quickly adapt the purpose of their building. This will enable businesses to switch from a retail to café model for example, to retain the viability of their brand. Better Homes By removing unnecessary red tape, this will make it easier for property developers to build desirable homes that people want to live in. However, there are also concerns that this removes the...