The Planning Bill was a prominent feature of the 2021 Queen's speech and is due to go before parliament in the Autumn. The bill aims to simplify the planning system and increase the level of new homes being built. Plans will separate land into a three-tier traffic light system. Growth areas - As long as local planning rules are met, outline planning permission will be granted for new homes, shops, schools and more. Renewal areas - Specific types of small scale developments will be granted planning but restrictions would remain on certain kinds of developments. Protected areas - Stringent restrict ions will be in place for all developments. What does this mean for developers? The key issue is how the planning bill will impact the operations of SME developers. Planning risk is a challenge for any developer when assessing the viability of a project. Only by understanding all the variables that can come into play during site acquisition, design, planning and build can we establish the realistic viability of a development. With changes coming to the planning system, it's vital that SME developers understand how these will affect their projects, both present and future. and what actions they need to take to protect themselves.