<p>This summer, debate will rage over the planning system’s role in the housing crisis. Discussions were kicked off in June by the publication of the Commons all party select committee’s report on the government’s housing supply and affordability policies. PPS3 on housing is also due to be published this month, ending a long and controversial consultation and raising hopes that it will be a flexible and market responsive policy.</p> <p>Also, by the time you read this, Kate Barker will have announced the findings of her Treasury-commissioned review of land use planning and “the link between planning and economic growth.” Barker is a vital champion of a market responsive system, and her recommendations will offer much food for thought.</p> <p>The planning system is a topic guaranteed to arouse strong opinions, and in this current debate myths and misunderstandings abound. Developers are keen to explode the myth that they regularly leave sites with consent undeveloped to boost profits, in light of the select committee’s startling proposition that local authorities be allowed to use compulsory purchase powers “to find an alternative developer” in such situations.</p> <p>The committee also concluded that: “By making the planning system more responsive to demand the government risks undermining …