A new planning policy setting out a comprehensive approach for planning for sustainable economic growth in all parts of the country has been published for consultation by Housing and Planning Minister Margaret Beckett.

The proposed Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Prosperous Economies streamlines existing guidance to create a coherent and modern planning framework which will enable communities to meet the economic challenges they are facing now and in the long-term. It encourages positive and proactive planning for sustainable economic growth in urban and rural areas and promotes investment, competition and innovation while safeguarding city, town and village centres.

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The integrated approach of the new Planning Policy Statement will provide greater certainty to businesses looking to submit planning applications and assist local authorities take speedier decisions on planning applications.

Ms Beckett said: "The planning system needs to do everything it can to support the economic aspirations of our communities in cities, towns and rural villages.

"We need a flexible and responsive system with local authorities and business working together to understand the economic challenges they face and to exploit the opportunities they identify.

"That's why for the first time we have brought together all of our key planning policies relating to the economy in one place.

"This gives us a coherent and modern set of policies which provide the flexibility needed to tackle the current economic uncertainty and exploit the opportunities available through global competition for jobs and investment, rapid advances in technology and in working patterns."

(CD/JM)