Planning Review - All Change?

In March this year we posted on the new National Planning Policy Framework and the likely impact it would have on the process for new development in the UK.

The Department for Communities and Local Government issued their Impact Assessment yesterday, which at 79 pages is longer by a margin than the Framework document itself.  Amongst much else, the Impact Assessment contains some fascinating insight into the projected costs of the consolidation of the planning processes proposed in the NPPF and by whom these are to be borne!  Read the full document here:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2172846.pdf

Three months on and the jury is still out.  Lining up in one corner of the green field is the “pro development” lobby and, currently, they would appear to be reassured by the legislation, in that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development.  In essence, if a proposed development is well located, with good public transport links and connection to the town center, is of a high quality design and the construction materials can be proven to be sustainable then all should bode well.

In the opposite corner are those who, let’s not say they are “anti development” but are most concerned for the future of our green and pleasant land and they too are feeling encouraged.  Leading the charge are Friends of the Earth and the National Trust who, with many others have heard the Government state that the green belt is sacrosanct and that the natural heritage of the nation needs to be defended for future generations.

So, peace and love abounds with both sides feeling satisfied that their concerns have been listened to and addressed, at least in part.  However, as the expression goes, “something’s got to give”.

I think we can look forward to the detail of applications that come under opposition fire being thrashed out in the courts of the land, over many hours and at much cost.  The much heralded, new and slimmed down, planning framework may be about to get a lot fatter as each challenge is mounted. 

Anyone for a Judicial Review?

Planning to Fail - Failing to Plan?:

In March this year we posted on the new National Planning Policy Framework and the likely impact it would have on the process for new development in the UK.

The Department for Communities and Local Government issued their Impact Assessment yesterday, which at 79 pages is longer by a margin than the Framework document itself.  Amongst much else, the Impact Assessment contains some fascinating insight into the projected costs of the consolidation of the planning processes proposed in the NPPF and by whom these are to be borne!  Read the full document here:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2172846.pdf

Three months on and the jury is still out.  Lining up in one corner of the green field is the “pro development” lobby and, currently, they would appear to be reassured by the legislation, in that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development.  In essence, if a proposed development is well located, with good public transport links and connection to the town center, is of a high quality design and the construction materials can be proven to be sustainable then all should bode well.

In the opposite corner are those who, let’s not say they are “anti development” but are most concerned for the future of our green and pleasant land and they too are feeling encouraged.  Leading the charge are Friends of the Earth and the National Trust who, with many others have heard the Government state that the green belt is sacrosanct and that the natural heritage of the nation needs to be defended for future generations.

So, peace and love abounds with both sides feeling satisfied that their concerns have been listened to and addressed, at least in part.  However, as the expression goes, “something’s got to give”.

I think we can look forward to the detail of applications that come under opposition fire being thrashed out in the courts of the land, over many hours and at much cost.  The much heralded, new and slimmed down, planning framework may be about to get a lot fatter as each challenge is mounted. 

Anyone for a Judicial Review?

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.