The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has commissioned major new research into whether cuts to planning departments are undermining economic recovery across the North West (NW) region.
This is the first time, since budget cuts took place in 2010, that any study has looked at links between development investment, economic growth, housing delivery and the resourcing of planning.
The research will be carried out by Arup, the global engineering, design and planning consultancy.
Arup will be inviting every local planning authority in the region to participate in a survey over the coming weeks. Findings are due to be published at the end of September 2015.
Joanne Harding, chair of RTPI North West region, said: ‘The study is very timely with the new Government announcing plans for a Northern Powerhouse to redress the North-South economic imbalance, and to attract investment into northern cities and towns.’
‘Arup will aim to quantify the impact of development pressures on public sector planning resources across the region and the consequences for the regional economy if this is not addressed.’
