Independent Advisory Group publishes its draft planning framework
(20th May 2011)
The Practitioners Advisory Group has today published a suggested draft of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The group of four experts from planning, local government, house-building and the environmental lobby were invited by the Minister for Decentralisation, Rt. Hon Greg Clark MP, to provide a practitioners’ perspective on how national planning policy could be simplified.
This document is not a statement of government policy, but it represents a major contribution to the debate as the Coalition Government prepares its own draft of the NPPF, which is due to be published for full public consultation in July 2011.
Provision for a consolidated national planning policy framework was outlined in the Coalition Programme for Government.
Full details of the document can be found via www.nppfpractitionersadvisorygroup.org.
John Rhodes, Director of planning consultants Quod, said:
‘It has been a privilege to be given the opportunity to work with the Group and to be given the opportunity to contribute to the debate about finding a fit for purpose planning system. Reform is necessary to reduce complexity, devolve power and to make planning more accessible to all those that it affects. But reform is also necessary to drive growth – responsible growth that can deliver the development, the places and the environment that the country deserves.’
Peter Andrew, Director of Land and Planning at Taylor Wimpey plc, said:
‘Meeting the need for new housing remains an urgent priority for the UK. If properly planned, increased levels of development can achieve multiple “wins” – increased economic growth, better access to housing and the means to achieve positive environmental enhancement.’
Simon Marsh, Acting Head of Sustainable Development at the RSPB, said:
“Planning plays a key role in delivering a high quality environment. It’s not just important for people and wildlife, but makes good economic sense too. We have proposed new policies to promote green spaces and wildlife corridors in order to halt the loss of habitats and restore biodiversity, and policies to address the challenge posed by climate change and the need to achieve stretching carbon reduction targets.”
Councillor Gary Porter, Chairman of the Environment and Housing Programme Board at the Local Government Association, said:
“Our approach to the national planning policy framework provides a real opportunity to free local government from unnecessary guidance and prescription, giving Councils greater control to shape and improve their local areas in ways that work for them.”
Members of the group have contributed on a personal basis and their views do not necessarily reflect those of their own organisations.
National Planning Policy Framework
(20th Dec 2010)
The Planning Minister Greg Clark has announced a review of planning policy, designed to consolidate policy statements, circulars and guidance documents into a single concise National Planning Policy Framework. The new Framework will be:
- localist in its approach, handing power back to local communities to decide what is right for them
- used as a mechanism for delivering Government objectives only where it is relevant, proportionate and effective to do so and
- user-friendly and accessible, providing clear policies on making robust local and neighbourhood plans and development management decisions
It is important that planning professionals, local authorities, community groups and members of the public have an opportunity to shape the new Framework.
The Minister has invited organisations and individuals to offer their suggestions to the Department on what priorities and policies we might adopt to produce a shorter, more decentralised and less bureaucratic National Planning Policy Framework.
More than 3,000 responses were received at an initial call for comments. Greg Clark, advised by a group of experts (see biographies) will consider these responses and a draft Framework document will be put out to public consultation later in 2011.