MP calls for action on the simplification of the national policy planning framework

James Morris calls urgent action on the simplification of the national policy planning framework to ensure sustainable development and economic growth.

James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): I think it is fair to say that there has been a healthy debate about the contents of the national policy planning framework, but does the Minister agree that there is an urgent need to press ahead with simplification of the framework so that we can secure the sustainable development and economic growth that we desperately need in this country?

Greg Clark: I do agree with that. My hon. Friend is a member of the Select Committee on Communities and Local Government, which considered the matter, and it concurred that it was necessary and desirable to simplify the planning system that has grown to such an extent that it holds back growth and gets in the way of local people participating in the future of their neighbourhood.

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