Jeremy Hunt has unveiled planning reforms designed to accelerate decision-making on development applications, with councils facing financial penalties for delays.
In his Autumn Statement, the chancellor announced that applicants would be entitled to refunds if local authorities fail to determine planning applications within statutory timeframes.
“A prompt service or your money back,” Hunt told MPs, outlining the government’s commitment to streamlining the planning system.
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The measures aim to address long-standing complaints about the sluggish pace of planning approvals, which critics say hampers housebuilding and economic growth.
