The government has welcomed the Killian Pretty review into planning applications, pledging to bring forward an “ambitious but deliverable programme of measures” in response to the review’s recommendations. The government said the need for action was “urgent” and to that effect has established a programme office within Communities and Local Government (CLG) to undertake a range of actions, and has created a stakeholder sounding board to develop and test proposals with representatives of key bodies in the planning process. By the summer the government said it would give a progress report by which time it hopes to have consulted on issues including draft proposals to extend permitted development rights for businesses and public services, as well as draft proposals to streamline the information required for applicants. Another progress report will come in winter 2009. David Pretty, co-chair of the Killian Pretty review, said he was pleased with the response: “Of course the government will have to consult on how best to implement our recommendations, but it’s already widely acknowledged that the need for reform is urgent so I would urge that everything possible is done to make the changes as quickly as possible.”