Regional development agencies welcome the government’s Planning White Paper, which places economic development and productivity at the forefront of the planning system.

The White Paper acknowledges that the planning system must pay greater heed to the needs of businesses and the wider economy as one of its most important objectives with a clear planning system which is an essential component in developing a successful and dynamic economy.

Tom Warburton, One North East head of environment and infrastructure, said: “We believe the planning system has the potential to deliver sustainable development which encompasses environmental, social and economic benefits. The changes to the planning system proposed in the White Paper will help ensure it is better able to help deliver this.”

Richard Lambert, CBI director general, believes the publication of the government’s white paper will help deliver major infrastructure that the UK needs.

He said: “The CBI is particularly supportive of the proposals for ‘statements of need’ for the most urgent and important projects, backed by an Independent Planning Commission, to ensure that timely and water tight decisions are made. Energy security is one of the most vital issues. One third of our electricity generation needs to be replaced by 2020, and it is not clear how we can meet both our energy needs and our climate change obligations without a continuing role for nuclear power, and also from renewable sources.”