IS UK Planning, 'probably as difficult as it gets anywhere in the world'?

According to a 'Planning' on-line which appeared on the Wed 14 August HERE 

...The planning system in the UK is 'probably as difficult as it gets anywhere in the world', the boss of financial services company Legal & General said today.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, the firm’s chief executive Nigel Wilson hit out at planning delays and said that building on part of the green belt would help to solve the housing crisis.

Wilson, who became Legal & General chief executive in June 2012, said: "I’ve worked all over the world. Planning in the UK is probably as difficult as it gets anywhere in the world."....

Really?  Is it that difficult??????????