06/03/2009 - Planning rejig should save millions
A shake-up to the planning system could save Britain's economy up to £300 million a year, housing minister Margaret Beckett has said.
Reforms aimed at easing pressure on small businesses by cutting red-tape will help them reduce costs during the challenging economic climate, according to the Department for Communities and Local Governments.
The proposals will allow smaller firms to develop their premises without needing full planning permission, or make them subject to a quicker and simpler process.
The plan is that, by taking smaller applications out of the system, there will be more time and resources for councils to focus on the major developments.
Other proposals include reducing the burden of information that businesses will be required to provide to support their applications.
Ms Beckett said: "Right now, in these difficult economic times, we need to reduce the burden on businesses and small shops, and ensure the planning system is not stifling economic recovery.
"Creating a more proportionate and efficient planning applications system now, means we are more likely to have crucial development and infrastructure in place when the economic upturn comes."
Business secretary Lord Mandelson added that it was "absolutely vital" to deliver real help to businesses in the current climate.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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