June 23 2010

With the Royal Town Planning Institute has expressed “disappointment” at yesterday’s coalition government budget statement, which will impose sweeping 25% cuts on departments responsible for planning and infrastructure provision. Urban Realm takes a look at the headline grabbing measures which impinge upon the built environment.

Though public sector retrenchment is the order of the day the RTPI and others found succour in a raft of measure may limit the pain.

A commitment to decentralisation, a consistent budget theme, was broadly welcomed, particularly National Insurance relief for new small businesses outside the south and east of England and a bid to encourage development by simplifying planning consents.

Also welcomed was a commitment to a national infrastructure plan, establishment of a Green Investment Bank and the roll out of digital infrastructure across the country. Householders will also be offered a “Green Deal” to assist investment in home energy efficiency.

An upgrade of the Tyne & Wear Metro, extension of Manchester’s Metrolink and a rebuild of Birmingham New Street are amongst the big ticket capital projects to dodge the axe.

Ann Skippers, President of the RTPI said: “We urge the Government to recognise the vital importance of strategic planning and the need for transition arrangements to be put in place so that the inevitable period of uncertainty does not result in the loss of impetus, commitment and skills.”

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