Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has cited the need to consider the implications of the recently published National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in his imminent decision on a controversial project.
The Secretary of State has delayed his decision, originally promised by 5 April, on the appeal by developer Helioslough against a second refusal for its rail freight interchange on land in and around the Radlett aerodrome site near St Albans in Hertfordshire.
The Secretary of State has invited parties to comment on the relevance, if any, of the NPPF to the case by 16 April and has signalled he will issue his decision on the scheme, earmarked for a Green Belt location, on or before 13 June 2012.
Publication of the NPPF has already led to the adjournment of – or extra time allowed – for a number of planning appeals and hearings into Core Strategies.
Recent advice from the Planning Inspectorate to inspectors has acknowledged that publication of the NPPF will have an impact on planning casework.
‘Clearly, some appeals will be live when the framework is published, but for many the implications of the publication will be capable of being dealt with during the normal passage of the appeal.’ it said.
The guidance adds: ‘However, it is recognised that in some cases, mainly as a result of the stage that the appeal has reached, arrangements may be required to ensure that parties have the opportunity to make representations on the impact, if any, of the publication of the framework.’
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