TCPA briefs Parliamentarians on fit for purpose planning framework

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

Leading planning and housing charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) will brief Members of Parliament today calling for a sensible debate about the sustainable development of England and how we achieve high quality outcomes through a collaborative and inclusive planning process - a process which provides certainty for communities, the countryside and the economy.

 Kate Henderson, TCPA Chief Executive said:

“A truly fit for purpose planning system must be explicitly democratic, reconciling tensions between national need for housing and economic recovery on the one hand and local aspirations on the other. A strong plan-led system should be the cornerstone of local decision-making.”

Critics of the planning system have identified it as a barrier to growth. However, good planning helps underpin decision making and guide investment. A coherent framework is crucial ifEnglandis to work to its full potential by providing certainty and making markets work better.

But, the economy is only one of the pillars of the three-legged stall called sustainable development. Indeed, the Conservative green paper on planning, the basis of the Government's planning reforms, identified that the "the purpose of the planning system is to reconcile, in the most equitable and efficient way possible, competing economic, social and environmental priorities".

Kate Henderson added:

“The Government could do much to resolve the current debate over the draft National Planning Policy Framework by looking to adopt the 2005 Sustainable Development Strategy definition, which remains broadly accepted across business, environmental and social groups. This definition is the key to delivering a sustainable future; ensuring economic growth is sustainable through the principles of living within environmental limits and creating a strong, healthy and just society.”

The TCPA is seeking cross-sector views to forge consensus and a constructive way forward for the draft National Planning Policy Framework.