Member News
By Tony Grew - 26th July 2011
The government has launched a draft national planning framework that aims to streamline policy from more than 1,000 pages down to 52.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) forms part of a consultation to get the planning system "right" and draws on responses to an initial call for evidence earlier in the year.
The government will now consult on simplifying other guidance on national policy.
The draft framework emphasises sustainable development "which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs".
It also recognises the importance of ensuring that all people should be able to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life, "both now and in the future".
Planning minister Greg Clark said:
"Clarity in planning has become lost in translation.
"National planning policy and central government guidance has become so bloated that it now contains more words than the complete works of Shakespeare, making it impenetrable to ordinary people.
"We need a simpler, swifter system that is easier to understand and where you don't need to pay for a lawyer to navigate your way around.
"We now want to hear the thoughts of councils, communities and businesses on the draft framework and work together to get the planning system right for generations to come."
Labour's shadow local government minister Jack Dromey has criticised ministers for publishing the draft framework during the summer recess.
"David Cameron's government has spent months dithering over the National Planning Policy Framework, causing chaos in the planning system," he said.
"In the meantime, investment by house builders, developers, energy companies, and transport organisations has been put off due to the uncertainty, damaging this country's economic growth.
"Pushing this document out during the recess, when it should have been published to support the scrutiny of the localism bill and whilst Parliament was in session, is unacceptable.
"This is not the way to begin consultation on an issue of such national importance."
Professional bodies and nature charities have welcomed the draft framework.
Dr James Cooper, head of government affairs for the Woodland Trust, said:
"We welcome the fact that protection for ancient woods and trees remains in place following the publication of the new streamlined National Planning Policy Framework for consultation.
"However there is still a caveat in place that overrides this protection if the benefits of development 'outweigh the loss'.
"Given the very strong emphasis on the importance of development within the framework, and which has accompanied the publicity surrounding the launch this clearly leaves cause for concern.
"Cases like Oaken Wood in Kent where 33 hectares of ancient woodland are currently under threat from quarrying proposals show that our fears are well founded.
"We welcome the government's stated wish to see the planning system enhance the natural environment and hope that the consultation period will result in a stronger emphasis in the final version on how actions such as tree planting can enhance communities and go hand in hand with genuinely sustainable development."
Chair of the Major Developers Group Sir Stuart Lipton said the framework will provide a more effective planning system.
"It will have regard for a balance of the interests of the community, the environment and the growth agenda," he said.
The National Association of Local Councils also welcomed the framework.
Chairman Michael Carter said:
"The overarching aim of the document is to empower communities, including very local parish and town councils, to shape the areas in which they live.
"We agree that they should have a major say in where housing, and other types of sustainable development, should go.
"We welcome the fact that local communities will have the power to set their own standards that will meet the needs of local circumstances."
A 12 week consultation starts today, which will include workshops in London, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol.
Ministers have also asked the Commons communities and local government select committee to comment on the draft framework.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.