The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) includes a presumption in favour of sustainable development, and the Planning Inspectorate has published a model wording which it considers, if incorporated into a draft Local Plan submitted for examination, will be an appropriate way of meeting the expectation for clear policies to guide how the presumption in favour of sustainable development will be applied.
The NPPF, the Framework, indicates that local plans should be based upon and reflect the presumption in favour of sustainable development and that they should contain clear policies that will guide how the presumption will be applied locally.
Planning authorities with adopted plans or plans in preparation will need to consider which, if any, parts of their plans need updating to reflect the presumption.
The model wording is as follows:
National Planning Policy Framework – Presumption in favour of sustainable development
When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area.
Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether:
1. Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or
2. Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.
For more detail see: LINK
