The property industry's trade body has pledged its support for a new initiative launched to improve the planning system.

The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed the launch of the National Planning Forum's (NPF) action plan for improving the planning system and has set out the actions it will take to help make the improvements a reality.

The NPF action plan builds on the culture change manifesto it released in July 2007. The action plan commits NPF members to undertake specific points of action which collectively will help to improve the planning system.

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The BPF launched its own Planning Manifesto last autumn, containing 12 points which could improve the planning system and calling for a pragmatic approach to help support and improve planning. The manifesto was a sign of the private sector's commitment to the planning system, which is further emphasised by the BPF's endorsement of the NPF's action plan.

BPF's Assistant Director for Planning, Jonathan Seager, said: "The NPF's action plan is a significant achievement as it commits both the public and private sectors to specific actions that will help to improve the planning system.

"The action plan is especially significant in the light of the current economic downturn. All those involved in planning must work together to keep projects currently in the planning system viable."

(CD/JM)