A Government consultation has been launched to understand how the planning system could better support the freight and logistics sector.

The Future of Freight: a long-term plan, published by the Government in June 2022, set out the objective of a planning system that recognises the needs of the freight and logistics sector now and in the future.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) call for evidence seeks views to better understand how the sector can more easily approach planning applications, so there are fewer obstacles to creating bigger warehouses to meet customer demand, introducing more HGV parking or improving driver facilities.   

The evidence it receives, says the Government, will help underpin any new or amended planning policies that reflect the Government’s vision and expectations for local planning authorities in planning for freight.

It is seeking evidence in three areas: local plan making and land availability; planning decision taking and the applications process; and how the planning system can support specific policy priorities.

Specific policy areas include, supporting supply chains, decarbonisation of freight; heavy goods vehicle (HGVs) driver parking facilities and welfare; and strengthening the Union.

The Freight, logistics and the planning system call for evidence can be found here. 

The consultation closes on October 6, 2023