Planning system reforms have been set out in the Government’s response to the Killian Pretty report on the planning applications process.
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115316564909.html
For the response see:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/
killianprettyresponse
or
http://www.info4local.gov.uk/documents/publications/1165684