PLANNING

Jenrick outlines fast track planning service for public buildings

Councils will have a legal duty to make decisions on new schools and hospitals within 10 weeks under reforms to the planning system.

Councils will have a legal duty to make decisions on new schools and hospitals within 10 weeks under reforms to the planning system.

Housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, has outlined plans for a new fast track for public service buildings including schools, colleges, universities, prisons and hospitals.

Under the reforms, it will also be easier to convert businesses premises into new homes to give high streets a new lease of life.

Jenrick said: 'The new fast track for public services makes it simpler and quicker to deliver the schools and hospitals we promised to build in our manifesto. We expect these vital buildings to be approved in weeks, not months and are reforming the planning system so it works for the NHS, our schools and other vital public services.

'Like the rest of the planning reforms, these changes will also help to protect and create thousands of jobs in the construction industry.'

PLANNING

Proud to serve the sector

By Louise Gittins | 03 July 2025

Writing in LGA Conference week, newly re-elected chair Cllr Louise Gittins reflects on the Government’s key announcements and says council leaders must have ...

PLANNING

Common sense Reform

By Paul Marinko | 03 July 2025

Reform UK is taking a measured approach to implementing change as the party takes charge of Durham Council, the authority’s new leader tells Paul Marinko.

PLANNING

Central and local government will transform the country for the better

By Georgia Gould | 03 July 2025

Writing in the week of the LGA Conference, Jim McMahon and Georgia Gould say this government was elected to deliver a decade of national renewal, and this si...

PLANNING

Relieving the pressure on public finances

By Piali Das Gupta | 03 July 2025

Local government must be properly resourced for any new duties it is tasked with, writes Piali Das Gupta.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman