30 Oct 2013, 4:36 pm
The DCLG said it would now begin a phased programme to reduce the number of technical planning regulations down to 78, which it said was a reduction of 57%.
The list includes a number of regulations on permitted development which will be consolidated and simplified. The DCLG said the rules had been amended 17 times and need an "overhaul to make them easier to understand".
A range of regulations on handling planning applications will also be merged and simplified in a bid to "tackle unnecessary and overly burdensome requirements in the application process".
The list includes a total of 38 "redundant" regulations which will be scrapped, including rules relating to costs of inquiries in the local plan process.
"We’re doing what we can to streamline the planning system and remove unnecessary burdens where we can, to create a smooth journey through the building process," said Planning Minister Nick Boles. "By removing unnecessary red tape and consolidating regulations we are able to make the planning process more efficient and accessible, and easier for people to use."
The 'red tape challenge' was launched by the Government in April 2011 with the aim of removing or reducing regulations it believes are "excessive" and a barrier to economic growth.
