Government has promised to tackle “slow and cumbersome” elements of the planning process, through a review of unnecessary red tape in the system which may be hampering the country’s development and business competitiveness. The review was jointly launched by communities secretary Hazel Blears, business secretary John Hutton and housing minister Caroline Flint at the end of March. “We recognise the current regime is one of the top five concerns for companies investing in the UK. This review will concentrate on how we can cut red tape and speed up the process without reducing protections for local communities,” said Hutton. <br><br>Although recent changes to the planning system are still bedding down, the review, entitled, Planning applications: a faster and more responsive system, is aimed at looking at the “next challenge of improving the planning application process from start to finish,” according to ministers. David Pretty, former Barratt chief executive and chair of the New Homes Marketing Board, will undertake the review, alongside Joanna Killian, chief executive of Essex county council. They will report to Caroline Flint and Baroness Vadera on issues including: Chancellor Alistair Darling’s first Budget failed to address the industry’s concerns about declining numbers of first time buyers, missing …