Planning Delivery Fund
The Planning Delivery Fund is a resource allocated by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) that is intended to support local authorities in areas of acute housing need, helping them process more applications, implement new reforms, and plan for new homes and infrastructure. By supporting best practice and innovation within councils, MHCLG hope that more planning applications will be determined in a shorter time.
A prospectus published at the end of 2017 invited local authorities and third sector organisations to submit bids for initial funding of £11 million. On 24th February 2018, awards were announced to 68 successful bids from local authorities.
The first wave of funding was split into three streams:
- Joint Working Fund: £9.4m.
- Design Quality Fund: £4.82m.
- Promoting Innovation Fund: £1.07m.
Some of the successful bids included:
- Bath and North East Somerset council, who received £310,000 to deliver a new master plan and implement an independent design review.
- The borough of Hackney received £212,000 to implement new planning applications software.
- The Greater Manchester Combined Authority received £950,000 to fund its new Place Team and Mayoral Development Corporations.
The Housing and Planning Minister Dominic Raab said:
“This cash boost ensures councils have the resources needed to make quicker decisions on planning applications, delivering quality housing at a faster rate. It’s part of our strategy to build the homes this country needs whilst also supporting residents to have their say on the kind of development that takes place in their area.”
MHCLG plan to hold a further round of bidding for the remaining £9.2m, to be distributed in 2019/20.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.