CBI discusses National Planning Policy Framework

Katja Hall, chief policy director, CBI said: 'It's vital there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development to balance the shift towards localism with the need for economic growth.

This should send out a strong signal to local authorities that it is possible to grow the economy while behaving responsibly to our environment.

I hope this change will help to attract the GBP200 billion in investment we need to build our decarbonised energy future.

'Cutting back the reams of planning policy and guidance we currently have makes absolute sense.

A clear, digestible guide to local planning decisions will ensure that local authorities are well-informed about national priorities and the need for development.

'The publication of this new framework is a chance for the Government to rebuild investor confidence in a planning system which has been shaken by a year of rapid reforms and ripped-up policy'.

The CBI is calling on the Government to ensure its reforms to the planning system, including the NPPF and the Localism Bill, deliver effective strategic planning at all levels.

Ms Hall said: 'For the middle tier of planning, all we have is the 'duty to co-operate' clause in the Localism Bill.

We still need greater assurances that this will be strong enough to ensure sub-national infrastructure is delivered.

'We can't afford to wait around while local authorities take a trial-and-error approach and our infrastructure carries on crumbling'.