The Financial Times has reported that Ministers are gearing up for a "major overhaul of the planning system" which would speed up the approval process for new developments in a bid to reboot the economy following the COVID-19 crisis. 

Details of the overhaul are scant, but the article suggests that the introduction of a zonal planning system, and the creation of special development zones will be central to the government's plans. The article reports that Ministers hope that agreement on the new reforms will be reached in time for a wider economic announcement in July by Rishi Sunak.

It is difficult to imagine how the introduction of a zonal planning system, which would mark a fundamental change in approach to planning in England, could be agreed before July, let alone implemented in time to kick start the post COVID19 crisis economy.

The creation of special development zones on the other hand could be brought forward rather quickly and could create opportunities in the property market for developers. The idea of special development zones is not new. England already has a number of Enterprise Zones - designated areas which are subject to lower levels of planning control and cheaper business rates in order to stimulate economic growth and employment - which could provide a blue print for special development zones going forward.

We will be keeping an eye on any further updates - watch this space.