TCPA responds to draft National Planning Policy Framework

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

The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – published for consultation by the Government today - will need to be rigorously tested to ensure the proposed changes will deliver real improvements for individuals and communities, including delivering desperately needed houses, jobs and tackling climate change.

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of planning think-tank the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) said:

“The Association supports the practical improvement of the planning process, so long as change is based on clear evidence and the outcomes promote sustainable development, and in particular social justice. The Government’s framework published today, seeks to simplify and streamline planning policy, however in doing so there is a vagueness around some of the key concepts, such as the presumption in favour of sustainable development, which may be subject to clarification through the courts.”

“While we share the Government’s ambition of making planning more accessible to communities, making something shorter does not automatically make it clearer.  Planning has to deal with complex problems and sometimes needs detailed policy responses.” 

“It is also important to recognise that the NPPF will require more than just rhetorical force to ensure effective outcomes which work at both the local and national level. For example, sustainable transport measures are only encouraged ‘where practical’. In reality this may mean the lowest standard of transport infrastructure will be delivered, and does not give local authorities the means to demand high standards.”

The TCPA will be working with its cross-sector membership – including local government, community groups, developers, investors, practitioners and academics – to inform its consultation response.