The British Property Federation (BPF) has welcomed planning law reform that is to proceed as a result of an announcement by the coalition government.

Liz Peace, chief executive of the body, stated the group is "delighted" to see the recommendations made in the Penfold report are to be taken on board.

She explained "the encouragement on key consenting and advisory agencies to promote sustainable development" is particularly good news.

The BPF chief executive added the introduction of a timescale for planning law reform is to be welcomed by the sector.

Ms Peace added: "Non-planning consents are an important consideration in every development project."

Friends of the Earth's executive director Andy Atkins recently called for the coalition government to put the environment at the forefront of reforms to planning law.

He added it is an encouraging sign prime minister David Cameron has stepped in to make his views clear on the changes to the current system.