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NALC opposes changes to national planning policy
The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has opposed changes to national planning policy unless local and national design codes are considered.
In response to the government's strengthening planning policy for brownfield development consultation, NALC argued that local planning authorities should only give significant weight to the benefits of delivering as many homes as possible if developments are sustainable and compatible with local and national design codes.
NALC argued that changes to the national planning policy, which make clear that local planning authorities should take a flexible approach in applying planning policies or guidance relating to the internal layout of development, should be delivered without compromise in protecting the amenity of occupiers and neighbouring land use.
NALC also expressed concerns that under the proposals set out in the consultation, councils would only be able to ensure that developments meet the needs of their communities.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities consultation seeks views on the proposed approach to updating national planning policies related to brownfield land in the National Planning Policy Framework and reviewing the threshold for referral of applications to the Mayor of London.