“Planning” for Recovery | Deloitte UK has been saved
It is too early to suggest we are into the recovery stage of the pandemic. We are in the depths of the most serious crisis in my lifetime, and certainly since the second World War. However, the planning system and the development industry has to keep working, it has a key role to play in the economic recovery, and in adapting the built environment of the future to take account of changes to how we live and work. During the first 5 weeks remote working in the depths of the South Downs National Park near Winchester, I have observed the planning system adapt rapidly to the challenges of remote working and social distancing. Through my lens of working on a new community, regenerating a town centre, and a national infrastructure project we have not missed a beat in the progressing planning applications or other processes to secure a basis for development. Discussing this with colleagues in London, Manchester and Leeds, they have found these to be similar observations. Highlights have been:
There are unexpected consequences. Local authorities can meet with developers remotely – saving huge amounts of time. Virtual meetings are very focussed, the emphasis is getting things done, and in my experience so far in keeping things simple. Officers may find they have more time to follow up and get things done. Virtual meetings are inclusive – you can invite a wider team, graduate colleagues, the cost of travel having been removed.