Planning Corruption: The Myth That Won’t Die

Why Do So Many People Think Planning is Crooked?

Planning is tough. It involves balancing public interest, economic realities, political pressures, and often complex policies. Planners don’t just say “yes” or “no” to development; they work within an ever-changing system designed to deliver sustainable growth. And yet, whenever a contentious decision is made—whether it’s an unpopular approval or a controversial refusal—the cry of corruption is never far behind.

It doesn’t take much for a disgruntled resident, a rejected developer, or even a political commentator with an axe to grind to throw out accusations of “brown envelopes” or backroom deals. And while no one can deny that criminal corruption has occurred in the UK’s planning system, the reality is far less scandalous than the myths suggest.

So why does the perception of widespread corruption persist? And does the real issue in bribery or just the far more subtle world of personal relationships or party loyalties?....or just that it really is just that complicated?

The ‘Rampant Corruption’ Narrative Is Rubbish

In 2024, Rohan Silva, a former Downing Street adviser turned developer, declared that planning in the UK was riddled with corruption, claiming that permissions depended on “back-room access to local bureaucrats and councillors.” His comments, published in The Sunday Times, provoked outrage from the planning profession.

Steve Quartermain , former Chief Planner at MHCLG, dismissed the claims as “just rubbish.” Former RTPI president Sue Bridge called them “utter drivel.” And with good reason—there are over 350,000 planning applications submitted annually in England alone. Yet, proven cases of corruption remain vanishingly rare.

In other words: it’s not corruption, it’s just a difficult process that often leads to disappointed people looking for someone to blame.

The Real ‘Grey Area’: Influence, Not Bribery

If corruption is rare, does that mean the planning system is beyond reproach? Not necessarily. While outright bribery is unlikely, influence is a different beast altogether.

A 2020 Transparency International UK report raised concerns about how well local authorities manage conflicts of interest. It highlighted worrying issues, including:

• Councillors being hired by developers as consultants, often while still holding key planning roles.
• Secretive, off-the-record pre-application discussions.
• Weak enforcement of gifts and hospitality rules.
• An underfunded public sector operating in an environment where developers hold most of the cards.

This isn’t about outright corruption—it’s about the perception of unfairness. If developers get special access to councillors while residents are left out in the cold, is it any wonder that people assume the worst?

Party Politics and Personal Agendas

If there’s any area where decision-making gets murky, it’s in political loyalties and personal relationships. Councillors on planning committees aren’t robots—they have party allegiances, friendships, and ideological leanings.

It’s no surprise and often no secret that political groups often have whipped votes on major planning applications, particularly in local authorities where a particular development has become a political issue. Perhaps typically (though not always) a Tory-controlled council might be more developer-friendly, while a Labour-led council might be more resistant to certain schemes. Is that corruption? No—but it does mean that planning isn’t always the purely objective process it aspires to be.

And then there’s the ego factor. Any planner who has sat through a contentious committee will tell you that some councillors see it as their personal crusade to block or push through certain developments. Whether driven by ideological fervour, a vendetta against a particular developer, or a desire to play to the gallery of local voters, these dynamics often have far more impact than any brown envelope ever could.

The Fallout of Unsubstantiated Accusations

The problem with constant allegations of corruption is that they are false. They also damage public trust and put?honest professionals under unnecessary scrutiny.

As reported in Planning Magazine, Paul Barnard , a senior planner with 40 years in the profession (and a highly impressive former University colleague—in me!), has never encountered corruption. He points to the?Nolan Principles, which most councils enshrine in their constitutions. These principles ensure that public officials act with integrity, openness, and accountability.

Can we all say with confidence we have never encountered corruption?

Is the System Perfect? No. Can It Be Improved? Yes.

While the UK planning system isn’t corrupt, it isn’t flawless either. There is a?serious trust deficit?between councils, developers, and communities, which breeds suspicion.

So what needs to change:

1. More Transparency in Pre-Application Discussions Developers and councillors should be able to talk—but those discussions should be on the record, not behind closed doors.
2. Stronger Regulation on Councillor-Developer Relationships Councillors working for developers—even in a different borough—undermines public trust. There should be clear national guidance on what’s acceptable…and let’s face it - it is rarely acceptable!
3. Better Resourcing for Planning Departments Underfunded councils are pressured to approve development for economic reasons, making them look biased. Councils should never feel they should approve a large development because they’ll receive funding or tax incentives. Properly funded planning teams could act more independently.
4. Stronger Sanctions for Ethical Breaches While outright corruption is rare, poor governance and conflicts of interest should have teeth. Labour’s plan to reinstate the Audit Commission is a step in the right direction.

Conclusion: Corrupt? No. Messy? Yes.

Let’s be clear: the idea that the UK planning system is riddled with corruption is a lazy myth, repeated by those who don’t understand the process—or simply don’t like a decision that’s been made.

There have been scandals. In the profession; particularly those of us in Yorkshire, await the outcome of the arrests in Leeds with interest…..

Yes, influence exists. But the vast majority of planning professionals and councillors operate within a system that is fundamentally honest, but often misunderstood.

The real challenge isn’t rooting out a handful of bad actors—it’s restoring trust in a process that is, by its very nature, difficult, frustrating, and controversial.

Because at the end of the day, no planning permission is worth going to jail for.