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The Government has now published its long awaited draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says commercial property agent Prop-Search, which is intended to lay the groundwork for major changes to the country’s planning system - to streamline policy by attempting to distil some 1,300 pages of current planning legislation and guidance into 52.
The draft NPPF establishes that the role of planning is to encourage growth and advises that this can be achieved in tandem with protecting and enhancing the environment. It presents a presumption in favour of sustainable development, with the plan-led approach to the planning system retained. Local Authorities are being encouraged to adopt Local Plans and where these are not in place, development should be allowed, unless it compromises the key principles of sustainability as set out in the NPPF.
Commenting on the Draft, Simon Toseland, a Director at Prop-Search, said: “Economic development continues to be a priority for the Government and as such the NPPF is widely seen as a fillip to the development industry. Encouragingly, there is an emphasis on viability with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) required to ensure obligations allow ‘acceptable returns’ to developers.”
The Framework gives the general basis and thrust for planning policy to guide development but strong emphasises on a neighbourhood-led approach, whereby policies are created and implemented at a local level, in response to local needs and circumstances. Local Authorities are to produce a Local Plan which should clearly set out opportunities for development in the area, prescribing what will and what will not be permitted and where. Emphasis will be placed on priorities to facilitate the delivery of housing and economic development, retail and leisure, necessary infrastructure, health, security and community facilities.
Simon Toseland added: “Whilst there is strong regard to the importance of communities, the NPPF establishes that ‘neighbourhood plans’ will have to be in line with Local Plans and that they cannot simply object to new development. Other points of interest include confirmation of plans to remove existing targets for development on brownfield sites and the allowance of LPAs to set their own threshold for affordable housing.”
The draft NPPF also encourages pre-application discussions and the front loading of applications for consent with early discussions between businesses, local communities and the Local Authority.
The consultation runs until 17 October 2011.