Initiatives by the Government to streamline the planning system and speed up development of UK infrastructure and housing have been welcomed by the British Property Federation.

Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, announced plans to consult on a statutory requirement which would ensure Councils have Local Plans in place as he unveiled Government’s National Infrastructure Plan 2013.

Liz Peace, Chief Executive of the BPF, said: "We are pleased with Government’s continuing efforts to reduce lengthy and unnecessary barriers to the development of much-needed UK infrastructure and housing.

"We have long argued that for a plan-led planning system to work, local authorities must produce sound, evidence-based plans detailing how they intend to meet the need for homes and jobs in their areas. Despite this, nearly half of Councils have not yet adopted one. 

"We are however mindful of requirements that will increase pressure on the already stretched resources of local authorities. We are keen that local planning is effective and development is enabled – which will require any regulations on Councils to be both proportionate and achievable."

Legislation will also be put forward allowing ministers to treat planning conditions as approved where an authority has failed to discharge a condition on time, and strengthening the requirement for planning authorities to justify conditions that must be discharged before building can start.