Major changes to section 106 agreements are afoot, with the government planning to overhaul the system to streamline the lengthy planning gain process, which tends to be riddled with delays. The overhaul was a key proposal of the Barker Review, which also recommended the introduction of a tariff or “planning gain supplement” alternative – which the government is also considering. <p></p><p>Other major changes to the planning system are also in the pipeline: the government is said to be moving towards scrapping application time limits for large scale projects. Local authorities have been accused of unfairly rejecting developments so that they meet the ODPM’s 13-week target, for which they are financially rewarded. The Confederation of British Industry put forward the proposal, after being consulted by the ODPM. </p><p>Meanwhile, housebuilders are bracing themselves for a massive hike in planning fees on April 1. Housing minister Keith Hill announced that the maximum fee for large developments will rise from £11,000 to £50,000, and councils have been told to be ready for a surge in planning applications before the new prices are introduced.</p>