Government pushes planning reforms through - commercial mortgages

26 June 2008

Planning reforms have been pushed through by the government, news that may concern those with commercial mortgages.

A vote on the planning bill took place yesterday, with 303 MPs voting in favour against the 260 who went the other way.

Those opposing the measures had argued that more confusion may be seen in the building industry and that the democratic nature of planning will be eliminated.

But communities secretary Hazel Blears argued that large-scale building projects could be speeded up following the move.

"The system isn''t working, needs to be brought up to date and made fit for the modern world we are living in," she commented.

At present there is not enough clarity in the sector and this element of it needs to be altered in the future, she added.

Director general of the Institution of Civil Engineers Tom Foulkes had said that the UK economy may be aided by planning law changes.