More than 100 UK businesses have joined UKGBC in writing to the Government to call for urgent reform to the planning system to tackle the UK’s deepening housing and climate crises

Signatories to the letter, including some of the most influential businesses in the built environment sector, call on the Prime Minister to amend the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to directly align the planning system with the UK’s climate commitments and adaptation goals under the Climate Change Act, and nature restoration targets under the Environment Act.

The letter demonstrates the breadth and depth of support for these reforms, which will break down existing barriers to sustainable development by enabling consistent direction, encouraging investment, and slashing delays.

The coalition warns the Government that the planning system is not providing a consistent approach to handling climate change and environmental considerations, creating delays, costs, and legal challenges.

Meanwhile, aligning planning reform with climate goals has received consistent support from the public, UK businesses, the Climate Change Committee, and was recognised in the Mission Zero Review, by Chris Skidmore MP, as playing a key role in building a future green economy.

Louise Hutchins, UKGBC Head of Policy and Public Affairs said: “England’s inconsistent planning system is not delivering the change we need to tackle the climate and nature breakdown. Our business and local authority members are faced with endless barriers, delays and legal challenges to the kind of low carbon nature-friendly development we all want to see.

“Today we’re urging the Government to back simple changes to planning law through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that can help fix this. By introducing a clear legal imperative for planning decisions at all levels to align with our Climate Change and Environment Acts, we can unlock huge investment and momentum towards the beautiful neighbourhoods and low carbon infrastructure the country urgently needs.”

The full letter can be read here