Simplifying Crown Development Planning: New Rules for 2025

The UK government is streamlining the planning process for significant national projects with new legislation set to take effect in 2025. This legislation, detailed in the Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Hearings and Inquiries) Rules 2025, aims to make it easier for government departments to secure planning permission for essential projects like prisons and defence facilities. Here's a breakdown of what this means and why it matters.

What’s Changing?

The new rules, introduced under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA), create a direct route for government departments to apply for planning permission from the Secretary of State, bypassing local planning authorities. This is particularly important for projects deemed to be of national importance, referred to as 'Crown Development'.

Key Features of the New Legislation:

1. Direct Application Route: Government departments can now apply directly to the Secretary of State for planning permission, with the Planning Inspectorate managing the applications.

2. Types of Applications: The rules apply to Crown Development applications and connected listed building applications, ensuring all necessary permissions are considered together.

3. Hearing and Inquiry Process: The legislation outlines a structured process for hearings and inquiries, similar to existing procedures but tailored for Crown Development applications. This process is designed to handle sensitive information securely.

4. Urgent Applications: For developments that are urgent and of national importance, an updated route is provided to ensure swift decision-making.

Why These Changes?

Previously, government departments faced delays and challenges in securing planning permission through local authorities, impacting the timely delivery of crucial infrastructure. The new rules aim to address these issues by creating a more efficient process that aligns with national priorities.

Impact and Benefits

• Public Sector Efficiency: The streamlined process is expected to lead to faster decisions, reducing delays in capital investment projects and potentially saving costs.
• No Impact on Private Sector: The legislation does not significantly impact businesses, charities, or voluntary bodies as it specifically targets government-led projects.

Monitoring and Future Guidance

The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government will oversee the implementation of these new routes to ensure they meet their objectives. Updated guidance will be available to support the transition to these new processes.

This legislative change represents a strategic shift in how the UK government manages planning for essential national projects, prioritising speed and efficiency while maintaining rigorous standards for public interest and security.