<p>The planning system is at its “lowest ebb” with housebuilding set to experience a “vortex” in planning until at least autumn 2024, according to Lichfields’ Matthew Spry.</p> <p>Speaking at the Home Builders Federation’s Policy Conference in London, Spry, senior director at the planning and development consultancy, reflected on the events leading to the government’s controversial consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and what may happen next. </p> <p> He said housebuilders were unlikely to see a response to “the December version” of the NPPF “in the short term”. The government had originally earmarked its consultation response for the spring. </p> <p> Spry pointed to housing minister Rachel Maclean’s recent comments to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee on the NPPF changes. “The minister didn’t have a date – she said there was so much other stuff they were doing and other policy changes, and they had to draw those strands together.”</p> <p> He also highlighted another source of hiatus – the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which includes the government’s plans to digitise the planning system. “The future look and operation of the planning system will look quite different as a result of the LURB.” This would …