What the Government's New "Growth Agenda" Means for Planning And Why You Should Act Now
The UK Government has recently announced a series of changes designed to cut red tape and speed up building projects as part of its wider "Growth Agenda." The aim is to remove bureaucratic barriers that have historically slowed down developments, whether for homes, businesses, or infrastructure.
But what does this mean if you're considering applying for planning permission — whether for a home extension, a new build, or a commercial project? And why is now the right time to get your planning sorted?
Key Changes Announced
The government’s announcement outlines several reforms aimed at making the planning process faster and more predictable, including:
Cutting unnecessary consultations and paperwork for projects that align with local and national planning policy.
Speeding up local authority planning decisions by reducing administrative burdens.
Reviewing environmental assessments to avoid duplication while maintaining protections.
Supporting development on brownfield (previously developed) land, making it easier to secure permission for sites that may have been overlooked.
These changes are part of a broader plan to stimulate economic growth, encourage housebuilding, and enable businesses to expand more easily — all while trying to ensure that communities get the infrastructure they need.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re an individual or business considering a planning application, these reforms could help your project move more quickly through the system in the future. However, local authorities are still catching up with the backlog of existing applications, and the system will take time to adjust to these new measures.
That's why being proactive now is crucial. By getting your planning application ready and submitted ahead of time, you put yourself in a strong position to benefit as processes start to speed up.
For homeowners, this might mean finally moving forward on that extension, annexe, or new home you’ve been thinking about.
For businesses, whether it's expanding premises, starting a new development, or converting an existing building, getting planning sorted now means you'll be ready to go when these changes kick in.
Why Getting Planning in Place Now Makes Sense
Even with the promised streamlining, planning permission can still take weeks or months to be approved, depending on the complexity of your proposal. Starting the process now means:
You’ll be ahead of any rush when these reforms fully take effect and others rush to submit plans.
You’ll avoid being delayed by existing backlogs.
You’ll have time to resolve any issues or meet conditions set by the planning authority.
You’ll be ready to act as soon as construction slots or contractor availability open up.
How Clwydian Planning Can Help
At Clwydian Planning, we offer expert support in navigating the planning system, whether you’re a homeowner, developer, or business. From feasibility assessments and pre-application advice to full planning submissions, we take care of the details so you don’t have to.
With changes on the horizon, now is the time to act — not wait.
If you're thinking about a project and want to get ahead, get in touch with us today for a free consultation. Let's make sure your plans are ready to go when the time is right.
