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Are planning targets distorting decisions?

Under new development laws planning departments are required to process 65% of minor cases in eight weeks and 60% of major cases in 13 weeks by 2006.

But these simplistic targets could be distorting the planning process, as it is easier to refuse planning permission than to work with objectors on a short time scale, argues the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

“Planning must not depend on 'quick fix' solutions, whose only merit is meeting an arbitrary government target or political agenda,” said the RTPI introducing a 'Manifesto for Planning', last week.

Kelvin MacDonald, RTPI director of policy & research, commented: "We have already seen inflexible targets distorting education and health services. We don't want to see similar potential damage being done to the planning system.”

“A top priority for the new professionalism in planning must be how to achieve more beneficial outcomes from the planning system - rather than the current narrow-minded focus on process and targets.”

Launching the campaign to scrap the targets, the RTPI called for "an end to simplistic targets based on the speed of decision making". The campaign manifesto says: "It is now time to move on from a system that simply judges the speed taken to make a decision – whether that decision is good or bad."

Continues MacDonald: "When under pressure to make a fast decision, planners may listen to the loudest voices, which are often those that resist development. It's often easier to say no."

"The development industry wants the right decision more than a speedy decision, and one they understand. Maybe some would take longer – but they would be better decisions."

Andrew Whittaker, national planning adviser at the House Builders Federation, agrees that under the rules now in force, planners could be tempted to refuse applications in order to meet targets, and then accept re-submissions.

The RTPI have not offered alternatives to the current planning targets but is lobbying the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and MPs to suggest amendments.