Pictured: Simon Toseland
The Government has now published its long awaited draft National
Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says commercial property agent
Prop-Search, which is intended to lay the groundwork for major
changes to the country's planning system - to streamline policy by
attempting to distil some 1,300 pages of current planning
legislation and guidance into 52.
The draft NPPF establishes that the role of planning is to
encourage growth and advises that this can be achieved in tandem
with protecting and enhancing the environment. It presents a
presumption in favour of sustainable development, with the plan-led
approach to the planning system retained. Local Authorities are
being encouraged to adopt Local Plans and where these are not in
place, development should be allowed, unless it compromises the key
principles of sustainability as set out in the NPPF.
Commenting on the Draft, Simon Toseland, a Director at
Prop-Search, said: "Economic development continues to be a priority
for the Government and as such the NPPF is widely seen as a fillip
to the development industry. Encouragingly, there is an emphasis on
viability with Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) required to ensure
obligations allow 'acceptable returns' to developers."
The Framework gives the general basis and thrust for planning
policy to guide development but strong emphasises on a
neighbourhood-led approach, whereby policies are created and
implemented at a local level, in response to local needs and
circumstances. Local Authorities are to produce a Local Plan which
should clearly set out opportunities for development in the area,
prescribing what will and what will not be permitted and where.
Emphasis will be placed on priorities to facilitate the delivery of
housing and economic development, retail and leisure, necessary
infrastructure, health, security and community facilities.
Simon Toseland added: "Whilst there is strong regard to the
importance of communities, the NPPF establishes that 'neighbourhood
plans' will have to be in line with Local Plans and that they
cannot simply object to new development. Other points of interest
include confirmation of plans to remove existing targets for
development on brownfield sites and the allowance of LPAs to set
their own threshold for affordable housing."
The draft NPPF also encourages pre-application discussions and
the front loading of applications for consent with early
discussions between businesses, local communities and the Local
Authority.
The consultation runs until 17 October 2011.
For further information about prop-search, please visit their
website here: www.prop-search.com