Plans for Planning and Transport: the new Labour Government
Plans for Planning and Transport: the new Labour Government
With the election now over, the Government will have to turn its hand to and put considerable weight into achieving a vast range of policy objectives announced in its manifesto.
Some of the proposed changes in planning, regeneration and transport received little coverage, so this LawNow e-mail highlights these policy announcements to refresh our minds of the routes that Government will follow in providing and facilitating infrastructure and development over the next 5 years.
Planning
The Government will continue its programme of revamping the planning system to provide a modern administrative and executive development control system, and will introduce fast-track procedures for major projects of national significance.
Regions
Regional policies will be based on regional economic development, drafted by the Regional Development Agencies. There is a manifesto commitment to directly-elected regional government, where the local electorate support it (in a referendum).
Regeneration
Tax cuts to allow for an increase in capital expenditure in urban areas, a target of 60 percent of new homes on brown field land, and the designation of more 'urban villages' similar to the Greenwich Millennium village. Market towns and rural areas will receive more grants, and rate relief for rural businesses.
Transport
Rail: A mix of private and public money amounting to GBP 60 billion for the upgrade of the rail network, and an increase in passenger and freight capacity. In London, the Mayor has already announced that he has received funding for further work into the CrossRail project (Liverpool Street to Paddington), the East London line extension and the Hackney-Chelsea rail line. Modern-day trams systems are planned for Leeds, Portsmouth and Bristol. The Government 'will complete the Channel Tunnel Rail link'.
Aviation: Plans for airport development over the next 30 years.
Roads: Selected by-pass schemes and some motorway improvements, with bus lanes on motorways, where appropriate.
Buses: More new buses, bus lanes, park and ride schemes and concessionary fare schemes.
If you have any queries arising out of this e-mail, please contact Alistair Watson (at alistair.watson@cms-cmck.com or on +44 (0)20 7367 3890) or Tony Kitson (at tony.kitson@cms-cmck.com or on +44 (0)20 7367 3556).
