Thank you for your letter enquiring about press reports of work the Treasury is doing on the planning system. The reports in various newspapers that the Treasury is carrying out a review into the planning system are incorrect. The Treasury has been improving its knowledge of the planning system and is now working with DETR to understand better how the planning system impacts on the business community and economic growth. This involves looking at how both planning policy and the process of gaining planning permission helps and hinders business, development and economic growth; and the balance that is struck with the Government's broader objectives, including in relation to the environment and sustainable growth. Our work aims to provide background to inform Ministers:

  2.  We have not at this stage commissioned any research from outside organisations. To help us understand the issues in more depth, however, we have brought in a part-time secondee from Weatherall, Green and Smith, a firm of surveyors and planning consultants.

  3.  I hope this answers your questions. Please get in touch if you need any further information.

Productivity and Structural Reform

11 April 2001