Planning minister Keith Hill has announced that changes to the planning system will come into force from tomorrow (Friday September 5) that he says will make the system fairer and faster. From midnight the time limit for appeals against a local authority planning decision will be cut from six months to three months. There will also be a requirement to consult Regional Development Agencies before granting planning permnissions which may affect the provision of strategic infrastructure, strategic investment or regional employment policy. Local authorites must now provide reasons for granting planning permission and there will be an exception to consulting statutory bodies where the development accords with up to date standing advice. The changes only relate to England.