On the day of local elections across England, we thought we'd provide a little update on how politics influences what we do...

Politics and planning in England are intricately linked, with government policies and decisions having a significant impact on the planning system. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the government's planning policies and principles, and what should be prioritised (such as the delivery of new housing).

There are also tensions between central and local government, particularly when it comes to controversial planning decisions. Where a local Council may refuse an application, the applicant has the ability to appeal to the Secretary of State, who may overrule the refusal at the local level. An example of this is the recent approval of plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria, despite strong local opposition, which has been criticised by many as an example of the government overriding local democracy and disregarding the views of local people.

The political climate in England also plays a role in shaping planning policy, with the Conservative government's emphasis on deregulation and promoting economic growth leading to changes in the planning system. However, there are concerns that this has made the planning system more complex, with a lack of transparency and public engagement. This is something planning professionals are always seeking to address despite political influences.

Successive governments have launched a series of reforms to the planning system, with the current one proposing a major overhaul. However, there are mixed reactions to these reforms, with some welcoming them as a way to streamline the planning process, while others are concerned about the potential stifling of housing delivery, impact on local democracy and the quality of new developments.

Politics and planning are intricately linked, and that is something that will likely never change...