Navigating Changes to the Draft National Planning Policy Framework:

Labour sticks its spade in – Big changes to national planning policy proposed

It is fair to say the new draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published last week, is generating headlines, with bold moves to drastically increase the supply of new homes, improve the speed of decision making and get development started sooner. There’s a lot to digest.

What are the key changes?

✅ Dramatic increase in new home supply
✅ Accelerated decision-making processes
✅ Introduction of the ‘grey belt’ concept
✅ New mandatory methodology for housing targets
✅ Enhanced focus on strategic planning

The proposals will have some immediate impact on decision making (Ministerial Statement) and the rest will take time to make their mark but it’s clear that Councils will be under pressure to allocate more land, and get Local Plans adopted sooner rather than later. Adopted Local Plans will be impacted when they come up for review.

Our recommendation: 

There’s never a ‘bad’ time to promote land for development, but now is a particularly ‘good’ time. Councils rely on sites being suggested to them to inform their land assessments.

If you have land that you consider has got potential for residential or other forms of development, P&DG recommend getting the site promotion process underway as soon as possible to increase the prospects of your site being viewed favourably. P&DG has a proven track record in the successful promotion of land through the Local Plan process, securing allocations and subsequent planning approval.

Do get in touch to discuss how we can help you to achieve your commercial objectives and register your interest for our upcoming breakfast briefing this October.

Stay tuned for more news soon!