Rural Forum Draft National Planning Policy Framework 15 th September 2011 Rebecca Collins Senior Development Officer Kettering Borough Council

Issues to Cover Overview of Draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Commentary on Plan-Making Commentary on Development Management Other NPPF messages Suggested areas for response

Media Coverage Greg Clark MP unveils government plans to reduce planning red tape (26 May 2011) “Reforms could lead to unchecked and damaging development on a scale not seen since the 1930’s”…… ”green-light for poor quality or development in the wrong place” Row deepens over English planning law changes (23 August 2011) High street protection ‘weakened’ (26 August 2011) Giving developers the right to build on Britain’s greenery is vital for economy, says (George) Osbourne (5 th September 2011)

The Planning System Planning Policy Statements East Midlands Regional Plan Local Development Framework Supplementary Planning Documents National Planning Policy Framework ( at consultation ) Local Plans Neighbourhood Plans

Overview of the Planning System (Development Control) Section 38(6) of Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act “….determination must be made in accordance with the plan (Development Plan) unless material considerations indicate otherwise.”

Overview of Draft National Planning Policy Framework Prepared by Department of Communities and Local Government. Consultation closes 17 th October 2011 Intention is to slim down National Planning Policy Guidance from over 1,000 pages to 50 pages. Should help to encourage communities to become more involved in their area through “neighbourhood planning”.

Key Messages Pro-development Presumption in favour of sustainable development Significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth The default answer to development proposals is yes

NPPF - Plan-Making 1.System will remain plan-led 2.Strategic priorities should be set out in the Local Plan 3.Local Plans should be aspirational but realistic 4.Additional development plan documents should only be used where clearly justified 5.Supplementary Planning Documents must not be used to add to the financial burdens of development 6.In the absence of an up-to-date local plan, planning applications should be determined in accordance with the NPPF 7.Limited information is provided on neighbourhood plans, more detail is expected through the Localism Bill 8.Neighbourhood plans must conform to local plans and they must conform to the NPPF

NPPF – Development Management 1.Development management and plan-making should be seamless 2.The aim is to foster delivery, not to hinder or prevent development 3.Local Development Orders should relax planning controls for particular areas or categories of development 4.Neighbourhoods can use a Neighbourhood Development Order to grant planning permission 5.A Community Right to Build Order can be used, this requires the support of the local community through a referendum 6.Where Plans are absent or silent, permission should be granted in accordance with the NPPF

NPPF - Other Key Messages The key housing objective is to increase significantly the delivery of new homes Protection for the green belt, national parks and areas of outstanding beauty would continue A requirement to provide a rolling 5 year supply of deliverable housing sites plus 20% to ensure choice and competition Requirement to set affordable housing targets is not included No longer a requirement for a sequential approach for office development Plans should be prepared to meet unmet requirements from neighbouring authorities Provides much less detail than the current system

Suggested Response The presumption in favour of sustainable development and emphasis on economic growth is too powerful. This seems to outweigh local circumstances and evidence to inform decision making - a balance should be struck! The NPPF appears to be at odds with the Government’s commitment to empower local communities. To be consistent with the NPPF potentially reduces the ability to prepare locally- distinctive plans. Kettering Borough has been subject to a succession of opportunistic applications where consent has been granted (largely through appeal), influenced by a shortfall in a five-year housing land supply. The NPPF risks further undermining the plan-led system and community aspirations by imposing top-down decisions upon communities.

Suggested Response (cont’d) Kettering Borough Council has invested significantly in building a strong set of planning policies and supporting guidance to deliver development appropriate for the area. This should be retained alongside the National Planning Policy Framework, the additional clarity will provide more certainty for local authorities, communities and the development industry. Kettering Borough’s countryside may not be nationally designated, but it makes a positive contribution to the character of the area and is of huge value to existing and new residents. North Northamptonshire authorities work collaboratively on strategic planning priorities through its Joint Planning Unit. The Forum would support a continuation of this approach, given the progress made in developing strategy and delivery.

Suggested Response (cont’d) The need to set affordable housing targets, thresholds and tenures should be required in order to help promote the delivery of affordable housing throughout the Borough The Forum is concerned at the implications should a duty to cooperate on planning issues that cross boundaries be agreed, particularly those relating to achieving strategic priorities. This could have significant negative impacts for Kettering Borough as a result of a neighbouring authority’s over-ambitious growth targets skewing development plans for the wider area.

Any questions or other issues?