<p>Debate continues to rage over whether the planning system is too pro-development –or not enough, following the December publication of Bank of England economist Kate Barker’s review of land use planning. A new report by centre-right thinktank, Policy Exchange, has called for the system to loosen its reigns on the country’s economic growth, with a series of radical suggestions, including that the national greenbelt policy be abolished and replaced with locally determined decisions. The paper, entitled, The best laid plans: How planning prevents economic growth is sure to inflame opposition, with suggestions including the introduction of “simplified planning zones” to speed up the system, and fiscal incentives for prodevelopment local authorities. </p> <p>The report’s authors, Alan Evans and Dr Oliver Hartwich argue that the current system “artificially reduces land supply, with severe consequences for society, the economy and the environment.” Hartwich said: “Political support for the policy of constraint is based on an exaggerated view of the degree of urbanisation in the UK: it is actually only about 10% urbanised.” The findings are repelled by a new coalition, which the same week came out with harsh criticism for what it sees as the government’s acceptance of Barker Review recommendations for …