The National Planning Policy Framework: what it means for you

2 Planning reform: main aims Putting power in the hands of communities Promoting sustainable development Conserving and enhancing the environment Simplifying and speeding-up the system

3 The NPPF: key features Radical reduction in amount of policy… But basic principles retained (including key protections) Emphasis on planning being genuinely plan-led – with prime importance attached to local plans Increased emphasis on driving and supporting sustainable development and good design And on proportionate, early engagement in development management Recognises need to take into account the different roles/character of places

4 Approach to sustainable development NPPF makes clear this should be at the heart of what planning is about References broad principles set out by UN and in the UK Sustainable Development Strategy Gains to be sought across economic, social & environmental dimensions Topic-based sections on ‘delivering sustainable development’ – what SD means in practice for planning EnvironmentSociety Economy

5 The presumption Works within statutory framework Sets clear expectation for plan-making: objectively assessed needs should be met For decision-taking: a)proposals in line with the plan should be approved without delay; b)where plan is absent/silent or relevant policies out-of-date, approve unless adverse impacts would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits In all cases: unless specific policies - e.g. Green Belt or National Parks - indicate development should be restricted

6 Building a strong economy and delivering homes Significant weight on need to support economic growth as a national priority Plan proactively to meet development needs, and assess the impact of policies on viability of development Re-emphasises importance of town centres and the rural economy Local Plans to meet the full, objectively assessed needs for market and affordable housing, as far as is consistent with the NPPF policies

7 Conserving and enhancing the environment NPPF supports implementation of the Natural Environment White Paper Plan positively for networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure Encourage brownfield land back into use, provided it is not of high environmental value Support reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding Protections for historic environment maintained

8 Requiring good design Indivisible from good planning Developments should function well and add to overall quality of the area Significant weight for truly outstanding or innovative designs… … and refuse permission for development of poor design Applicants expected to work with communities in shaping schemes Design review arrangements to help ensure high standards of design IKON, Street, Somerset (Mendip DC) - Housing Design Awards overall winner

9 Implementation Policies in Framework applied from day of publication Plans not to be considered out-of-date just because they were prepared prior to the Framework Due weight for existing plan policies according to degree of conformity with the Framework 12 month period of full weight for policies in post 2004 DPDs even if limited degree of conflict with the Framework Appropriate weight for emerging plans

10 What it means for plan-making Reinforces the good reasons for having an up-to-date plan: Local plans are the primary vehicles for making decisions about scale & location of growth Involving communities in decisions about the future shape of their areas and providing strategic framework for neighbourhood plans Basis for strategic planning and co-operation across authorities on wider issues through the Duty to Co-operate Providing a vision and framework for investment in the area Identifying & coordinating infrastructure requirements (including CIL evidence base)

11 What it means for decision-taking Requires a positive, proactive approach – whether up-to-date plans are in place or not Presumption makes it more important than ever to have clear reasons for refusal (and approval) In the absence of an up to date plan the NPPF provides a policy framework for making decisions Importance of early pre-application engagement involving all parties (including communities and other consenting bodies)

12 What next? Advice and support for councils to help deliver on ambitions of NPPF and accelerate plan-making: LGA / PAS: programme of support for officers and councillors PINS: support to facilitate rapid updating of plans and bringing forward plans for publication and examination DCLG: overall co-ordination of implementation; available to engage directly with councils where helpful