Picture caption: Stephen Hemming of LSH

The Government's new National Planning Policy Framework could be exactly what is needed to kick-start stalled property development in the Midlands, according to experts at national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH). 

Planning and regeneration specialists at LSH say the new framework could give commercial development a much-needed shot in the arm, and could encourage more new development as well as being the catalyst for stalled projects to re-start.

The framework was published by Government on July 18th. As trailed in the Budget in March, it formalises a presumption in favour of sustainable development and advises local authorities to approve projects whenever possible.

Stephen Hemming, LSH Director of Planning, Development and Regeneration, said: "This is a good framework for the region and should boost development. Because of the economic climate there has been very little new development going on. This could encourage people to take their plans forward and fill the void which is being created.

"The new framework consolidates a large and confusing array of previous policies, documents and guidelines into a single document, which is to be welcomed. It is also a 'light touch' framework which enables local authorities and local people to produce their own neighbourhood plans, addressing the priorities and issues in their communities. Plans submitted that adhere to these neighbourhood plans should get automatic approval."

"Importantly, it also calls for plans to be approved quickly without becoming bogged down in red tape, and calls for a planning regime which proactively supports development and which reacts positively to opportunities for growth," he added.

The new framework encourages sustainable development through the use of existing buildings, and calls for the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible. It also says that local authorities should be prepared to work with their neighbours to assess development needs - particularly for housing. A key objective of the framework is to speed up the delivery of new homes.

Stephen Hemming said, "A well thought out planning policy can actively assist economic growth and development. Too often in the past planning restrictions have been used as an obstacle to restrict perfectly reasonable and beneficial sustainable development."

For more information about Lambert Smith Hampton, please visit their website here: www.lsh.co.uk