UKHospitality has applauded a recommendation to cut planning appeals decisions by five months.
The Government has today published the findings of an independent review into planning appeal inquiries, which recommends cutting the length of appeal decisions from 47 to 26 weeks.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said, “This is positive news for hospitality and a major shot in the arm for the UK’s high streets. Although a few hospitality businesses are in remote locations, they are mainly in and around high streets.
'Slashing red tape for high street venues will help support the kind of investment needed to reverse the decline in town centres.”
The Communities Secretary, Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP said, 'Planning appeal inquiries have held up development and kept communities waiting in limbo – 47 weeks on average is far too long to wait for a decision on something so important as a proposal for new development.'
Mrs Bridget Rosewell CBE, Chair of the Independent Review into Planning Appeal Inquiries, added, 'It’s critical that all parts of the planning system contribute towards the efficient delivery of the homes we need as well as the refusal of those which don’t meet our high standards.
'My review found, with commitment for all involved, that speeding up inquiries can be achieved through straightforward reforms, shaving months off the current time it takes for inspectors to make a decision.
'I’m pleased my report has been welcomed by the government and the Planning Inspectorate and look forward to seeing these changes being implemented.'