Through the Planning Portal
By the time Harry made it through, it was clear his simple outline planning application had become a mountain of scrolls, each brimming with new requirements and approvals that needed signatures from various departments. The officer gave him a sympathetic look, tapping the growing pile of forms with her wand. "It’ll take some time, Mr. Potter," she said with a sigh.
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Harry stepped through the shimmering planning portal with a mixture of curiosity and caution, finding himself in a grand hall unlike anything he'd seen before. Harry had expected something orderly, given the Ministry’s usual obsession with rules. But as he stepped forward, it became clear that even here, in this realm of magic, confusion reigned.
The Ministry has just announced their ‘Vision for Growth and Prosperity’ said the clerk nervously and then in a whisper explained it all to Harry.
“The Ministry of Planning and Muggle Affairs has unveiled a plan to revolutionise development across the realm. Under this ambitious scheme, when developers propose acceptable projects in areas of high magical—or Muggle—potential, such as bustling locales near Floo Network hubs or Muggle commuter stations, the default answer will be a resounding “yes.”
This enchantment of progress promises to conjure more homes and shops in central, well-connected locations, weaving new life into local communities. By focusing on areas where witches, wizards, and Muggles alike rely on transport hubs for their daily pursuits, the Ministry hopes to amplify its mission to grow the economy—a task nearly as daunting as hunting Horcruxes.
But the reforms don’t end there. The Ministry intends to sweep away the cobwebs of bureaucracy currently ensnaring critical infrastructure projects. With the flick of a wand—or the stroke of a pen—they plan to trim back the tangles of red tape slowing progress. Developers will no longer face the daunting gauntlet of endless consultations with expert bodies and mysterious environmental assessments. Instead, these will be replaced by a streamlined system as elegant and efficient as a perfectly brewed Felix Felicis potion.
The Ministry believes that this new approach will slash costs and banish delays,” she finished with a sigh.
As he carefully made his way back to the portal, Harry wondered how it would all end.
While these proposals promise to unlock economic growth and housing, the key risks lie in sidelining local voices, eroding environmental protections, and prioritizing speed over sustainability. Like any ambitious magical spell, it’s vital that the balance is carefully maintained—or the results could be as unpredictable as a backfiring wand.
Style inspired by JK Rowling
Joanne Rowling CH OBE FRSL, known by her pen name J. K. Rowling, is a British author and philanthropist. She wrote Harry Potter, a seven-volume fantasy series published from 1997 to 2007.
Bluepencil can help guide you through the complex planning process. Specialising in Outline and Detailed planning applications for residential developments and strategic masterplans, they have an outstanding track record of successful applications. No magic required - just experience.
