The shortage of planning professionals in local authorities is undermining the planning system’s ability to function effectively. Planning officers are unable to thoroughly consider applications within statutory timeframes and are unable to adequately pre-consult. This capacity gap compromises the quality, transparency and timeliness of planning decisions. This is problematic, as Natural England has gaps in its own expertise and relies on knowledge from local authorities. (Conclusion, Paragra...

The shortage of planning professionals in local authorities is undermining the planning system’s ability to function effectively. Planning officers are unable to thoroughly consider applications within statutory timeframes and are unable to adequately pre-consult. This capacity gap compromises the quality, transparency and timeliness of planning decisions. This is problematic, as Natural England has gaps in its own expertise and relies on knowledge from local authorities. (Conclusion, Paragraph 202) Type: conclusion | Number: 59 | Response status: no_published_response Government response: 100. The Government agrees that ecological expertise is critical within the planning system. We recognise the challenges local planning authorities face with capacity and skills across the board and are taking forward significant action to strengthen skills across the system. 101. At the 2025 Budget