What we know (and don't know) about the links between planning and economic performance

This note considers the impact of land use planning on economic performance. Specifically, we discuss some of the economic and social costs of the current English system, some of which have been underplayed in public debate. Our aim is to provide evidence to better inform discussions of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A companion paper (‘Assessing the Government’s Proposals to Reform the Planning System’, SERC Policy Paper No.11, November 2011) specifically addresses the NPPF and makes recommendations for improving it.