Second Planning and Infrastructure Bill already being considered by Government

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is apparently considering a second planning bill to reform and reshape the system, despite the first bill still progressing through Parliament.

According to media reports this week, the Government is weighing up whether to loosen environmental rules on areas such as bats and newts in order to speed up housing and infrastructure projects.

Though some environmentalists have claimed that the current Planning and Infrastructure Bill will relax environmental regulations already, many in the industry have argued the reforms do not go far enough – and it appears the Chancellor is in agreement. Reports suggest that among the changes being considered by the Government is a smaller list of protected species, which would remove species that are more common in the UK but rare in Europe.

Another avenue being considered are reforms to Judicial Review, potentially meaning each decision can only be subject to review once – with certain government-backed major infrastructure projects perhaps being immune entirely.

Media reports suggest that these reforms are being pushed by Rachel Reeves and the Treasury, rather than Angela Rayner and MHCLG. The Chancellor may see further planning reforms as a means to increasing economic growth – an area where she has nailed her colours firmly to the mast, along with the Prime Minister and the rest of the Labour Government.

No government ministers have officially commented on these reports, but there is generally no smoke without fire, so watch this space.