Eco-development Group call for National Framework to drive aspiration

Published by Fiona Mannion for TCPA in Central Government and also in Environment, Housing, Local Government

The Eco-Development Group (EDG) has called for the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which will set out national priorities and standards, to drive and support innovation. Returning the UK economy to balanced, sustainable growth is the overriding priority of the Government and the NPPF must be central to achieving this aim. 

Speaking on behalf of the EDG, Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) Chief Executive, Kate Henderson said:

“The NPPF presents a unique opportunity to set a truly aspirational agenda for the future. The multi-disciplinary model of the eco-development group should inspire a holistic set of priorities for the NPPF, including demonstrating how a cross-cutting approach at the local level can help deliver national government priorities, such as the green deal, localism, private investment in regeneration and the Big Society”

 EDG members are committed to delivering the highest ever sustainability standards set out in the Eco-towns Planning Policy Statement and the TCPA series of best practice sustainability worksheets in a way that is economically viable. Building on these benchmarks, the EDG have recommended a number of polices be included in the NPPF, including community governance, climate change, zero carbon, job creation and transport.

The EDG was set up in 2009 by the TCPA. The group consists of local authorities and other groups bringing forward eco-developments of different models and scales; from eco-villages to urban regeneration and extensions schemes, helping to embed ambitious and innovative sustainability standards.

Building on local support and motivated local authority leadership, eco-developments are an excellent opportunity to help deliver more housing and create a step change in the standards to which new homes and communities are delivered.

The objectives of the EDG are to:
• Facilitate the exchange of information
• To develop good practice
• To identify and deliver on training needs
• To organise seminars and workshops
• To identify and implement European Best Practice