The National Planning Policy Framework

Comment by Helen Adcock - Director, Boyer Planning (South East)

During the debate between the Government and environmental/historical groups last autumn over the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the main concern was that the Government’s plans for economic growth would be at the expense of the country’s environmental and heritage assets, especially the Green Belt. However, the final version of the NPPF published recently has clarified its intention to balance economic, social and environmental objectives.

The protection of the Green Belt hasn’t hugely changed from the previous policy, and although natural, environmental and heritage assets retain much of their protection, it’s clear that the Government is committed to the planning system providing support to economic growth. There’s a high demand for affordable housing, especially in the East and South East of England. Whilst the finger of blame might point to inward migration, it is primarily due to house building not keeping pace with the economic growth and increase in prosperity of Britain for more than 30 years.

The NPPF encourages and requires positive engagement between all stakeholders in the planning process. Opportunities abound in the new Framework for landowners, developers and local communities alike, but only if all groups understand how to access them. The key to achieving Neighbourhood Plans is for all parties to appreciate the benefit of engaging with each other. There’s little point in a local community preparing a plan which results in a site’s development not being commercial viable. But developers also need to engage with local communities, and create developments that have local distinctiveness and which local people will embrace as part of their community.

There is of course another factor in planning and property development, and that’s the political context. With local elections around the corner, the power bestowed in elected representatives has arguably never been greater, and the NPPF requires these representatives to have a positive attitude to planning. The Rt Hon Greg Clark in the introduction to the NPPF states, “Planning must be a creative exercise in finding ways to enhance and improve the places in which we live our lives and must not simply be about scrutiny.” Elected members (including parish councillors) for whom objection has been their default position will need to embrace the changes and enter into real dialogue with those who are trying to deliver the economic, social and environmental benefits that sustainable development will achieve.

Exciting times are ahead of everyone, in planning and shaping the places where we live. With the National Planning Policy Framework, the Government has given us all the shared responsibility to ensure we leave a legacy of developments which enhance the economic, social and environmental fabric of the villages, towns and cities across the UK.