Planning reform is once again back in the spotlight and is expected to play a central role in the UK’s economic recovery from the Covid crisis. Although we do not know the nature of the reforms at this stage, there is much media speculation they could be radical. Our understanding is that Dominic Cummings is pushing for the whole planning regime to change and will doubtless have support from the Chancellor, whose reputation in the Government and amongst Treasury veterans is growing by the day.

In this briefing we discuss some of the ideas that may be promoted, with a particular focus on the possible introduction of a flexible zonal planning system and its inevitable impact land values.