D Day for Planning

Today’s the day.  The new National Planning policy framework will be announced by Ministers at lunchtime.  Following a much criticised consultation process with developers, environmental groups and other during last year, the new framework will come into force immediately.

Opponents of the change are badging the reforms as a “developers’ charter” whilst the Government are confident that reforms will simplify the existing complex and confusing system and help boost growth. 

One of the key points of contention is the definition of what is meant by the phrase “sustainable development”.  Speaking on BBC Radio 4 this morning Planning Minister Greg Clark explained that sustainable development meant that  "If there are reasons, for example if it destroys the environment, if it builds on the green belt, if it builds outside a town centre if it's a commercial premises when you want to keep town centres thriving, then that would not be sustainable, it would not be in the public interest and so it should not go ahead."  The framework also indicates that the default answer for development proposals should be yes, and this is where the nub of the matter lies.

To date the planning process has proved to have been a rather inaccessible matter for most people to engage with.  Part of the objective of the new framework has been to simplify and make the process more accessible.  1,300 pages down to 50, quite a change. There is a perception that this slimming down of the “rules” will allow developers to ride roughshod over local wishes and turn swathes of the greenbelt into housing estates.  Government has given assurances that this is not the case.  However, vocal opponents including the National Trust, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Friends of the Earth believe this is exactly what will happen and our green and pleasant land will be no more.

Currently 11% of the area of the UK is developed.  It will be an interesting watch to see what transpires from this new framework.