Government is seeking views on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which is part of its reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, and to promote sustainable growth, with a closing date of 17 October.
With regard to the Historic Environment, the NPPF’s Impact Assessment argues that ‘Because the policies themselves have not changed, the impacts of moving from Planning Policy Statement 5 to the Framework for those involved with the historic environment should be de minimis.’ (p.91)
The IHBC’s concerns are highlighted here: LINK
English Heritage has already noted its concerns over:
i) strong bias towards giving permission;
ii) the absence of a policy to help decision-makers deal with proposals where there is moderate or minor harm to heritage assets, such as listed buildings, and that
iii) non-domestic listed buildings in rural areas are likely to come under severe pressure for a change of use for residential purposes
RTPI President Richard Summers said: ‘The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is a missed opportunity. We are concerned that the draft NPPF will not secure balanced economic and housing growth across England. It fails to set out a vision for the development that is needed to support a growing population and to promote economic growth across the country and that is effectively linked with infrastructure to redress existing and potential geographical and social disparities.’
‘Economic growth is generally set to trump the aspirations of local communities expressed in local and neighbourhood plans. The relationship between the presumption in favour of sustainable development and the primacy of locally-led development plans is not clear. It appears that the NPPF could direct local policies to be set aside to deliver the government’s growth agenda in response to market-led demands rather than to promote truly sustainable development for neighbourhoods and for local and wider than local areas.’
The National Trust said: ‘For decades our planning system has protected much loved places from harmful development. The Government’s reforms turn this on its head, using it as a tool primarily to promote economic growth instead.
We believe in growth – but not at all costs. Planning for people combines long-term growth with other important things like local character and space to breathe, tranquility and beauty. We need a system that serves all our interests, from commerce to communities.’
In response, the Trust has launched a petition giving people the opportunity to sign up to the principle:
‘I believe that the planning system should balance future prosperity with the needs of people and places – therefore I support the National Trust’s calls on the government to stop and rethink its planning reforms.‘
For the RTPI see: LINK
For the Planningblog survey on the NPPF (where at the time of writing c 20% see it as balanced, as against c.80% who see it as skewed towards growth) see: LINK
For the National Trust see: LINK
and to sign up to the National Trust petition see: LINK
For the NPPF’s Impact Assessment see: LINK
For the consultation see: LINK
Search Planning Portal: LINK
