New
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made boosting Britain's anemic
growth one of the government's core aims since winning a July 4
election, and has pledged to build, rather than block, new
housing and infrastructure.
The government said that the proposed new planning law would
support economic growth and that local consent would only be
able to shape how, not if, new projects are built.
"My ministers will get Britain building, including through
planning reform, as they seek to accelerate the delivery of high
quality infrastructure and housing," King Charles said as he
read out the government's legislative agenda.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill will accelerate upgrades to
the national grid, simplify processes around major new
infrastructure projects and reform compulsory purchase
compensation rules to block "excessive" payouts, the government
said. It also plans to increase the capacity of local planning
authorities.
In a separate proposed law, the government plans to establish a
new framework for devolution in England, giving more powers to
the mayors of metropolitan areas and to local combined
authorities.
Local leaders will be given powers over planning, transport
networks and jobs, as well as establishing a quicker process for
more regions to be able to make use of such powers.
"My government believes that greater devolution of decision
making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key
driver of economic growth," Charles said.
"Legislation will be introduced to give new powers to metro
mayors and combined authorities. This will support local growth
plans that bring economic benefit to communities."
(Reporting by Alistair Smout; editing by Sarah Young)
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