29 Sep 2023The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has unveiled new proposals designed to create a 'more effective and efficient system to boost business investment'. The BCC is calling for improved resources for council planning teams and ongoing use of digitisation for applications; priority for businesses' needs in the plan-making process; and for co-ordination between local and national infrastructure to be a key part of long-term planning. According to the BCC, most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have not increased investment since the Covid-19 pandemic. The business group's policy document outlines 'urgent improvements' that are designed to 'unlock the planning system across the UK'. Commenting on the proposals, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: 'The planning system has a major role to play in helping to unleash the potential of British business. But all too often firms are left frustrated by a slow and complex process. 'We urgently need more resources for local planning authority teams, greater stability of planning policy and more focus on the supply of land for business use. 'Our research shows that as companies continue to face an unprecedented set of economic challenges, investment is suffering. An improved planning system would help unlock investment.'