The Government has announced a significant change to planning policy that will see a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The Government hopes that this change will speed up the planning process bringing forward new schemes and boosting economic growth.

The presumption in favour of sustainable development is designed to create a planning system where the default answer is 'yes'. The presumption states that for local authorities that do not have a local plan in place the default answer to an application is yes, provided that the proposed scheme supports the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in that it supports sustainable development. 

Planning and urban design consultancy Turley Associates welcomes this move and agrees that it will provide a powerful tool for developers to bring forward new schemes that promote the objectives of the NPPF. 

Colin Morrison, head of sustainability at planning and urban design consultancy Turley Associates, who acts for house builders and developers across the country said:

"I welcome this announcement as it provides a mechanism for good development to secure consents where there is no local plan in place or where there is unwarranted negative local opposition.

"The publication of the National Planning Policy Framework next month will provide the detail on what may constitute 'Sustainable Development', but based on the draft NPPF from the Practioners Advisory Group it is clear that development should clearly demonstrate its benefits to the local community and economy and how it mitigates and adapts to climate change."

The presumption in favour of sustainable development appears to support the Government's pro-growth agenda and counter-acts some of the potential consequences of its Localism agenda. Colin explains:

"Local communities who object to development in their neighbourhood might find that this new presumption in favour of sustainable development overrides any unwarranted objection to good development. The onus will be on the opposing bodies or local authorities to support their negative claims with evidence. Perhaps the appeal route has now become more attractive." 

Greg Mitchell, Head of Residential Development at Turley Associates, adds: "I and our clients welcome the positive statements contained within the presumption in favour as it sets a clear pro-growth emphasis founded on an objective evidence base."