Tom Cosgrove KC Highlights Challenges and Opportunities in Government’s Planning Reforms
Planning and Environment, Public Law and Judicial Review
In an article for Counsel magazine, Tom Cosgrove KC, delves into the sweeping planning reforms proposed by the new Labour government, aimed at addressing England’s housing shortage with an ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes over five years.
Tom outlines the scale of this reform, emphasising the government’s commitment to updating the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the end of 2024. This revised NPPF could redefine planning priorities, particularly through the introduction of ‘grey belt’ land development and reduced restrictions on onshore wind farms, both of which signal Labour’s push toward sustainable development.
Tom also highlights the challenges facing practitioners, who must navigate the “complex interplay of politics, policy, and law” in a system where major planning decisions may be politically driven or disputed in the courts. Additionally, the speed of the proposed changes may face hurdles, as even specialist planning judges have historically struggled with consistent interpretation of planning policies.
Reflecting on the implications for the legal profession, Tom points to an exciting era ahead for planning barristers, particularly junior members and the Planning and Environment Bar Association (PEBA), of which Tom chairs, who will be at the forefront of shaping this reformed landscape.
Read the article in the November 2024 issue of Counsel magazine.
