NALC event explores what the new planning framework means for parish and town councils
On 29 October 2025, we hosted our event, Planning for the future: Navigating the new planning framework. The event tackled the $64,000 question: can governments achieve their housing targets while integrating community feedback through a democratic planning process? Our expert panel explored the new planning landscape, giving insights into how the updated framework directly affects parish and town councils and the future of housing developments.
Hugh Ellis, director of policy at the Town and Country Planning Association, opened the event, emphasising that parish and town councils are vital in addressing climate change, housing, and infrastructure, and that they should continue to use neighbourhood plans in their vision. In addition, he described how the current planning system may be complicated and ineffective, but emphasised "The alternative [to participating] is to surrender. So you must have a voice in this process, even though at times that can be difficult".
Roger Mortlock, chief executive at CPRE (The Countryside Charity), followed, highlighting the importance of localism, and drew on his experience as a former parish councillor. He stated, "Some of my proudest planning moments have been as a parish councillor […] they felt real and tangible". Roger highlighted the erosion of planning quality and democratic engagement and warned against the growing polarisation in planning (NIMBY and YIMBY), advocating a more integrated, long-term approach to land use.
Paul Miner, head of policy and planning at CPRE (The Countryside Charity, continued Roger's analysis, providing a detailed breakdown of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, supporting reforms such as spatial development strategies, but raising concerns about the weakening of green belt protections. He also emphasised the importance of neighbourhood plans in preserving local green spaces and called for better design standards and more genuinely affordable housing in rural areas, stating, "Only 17% of new rural housing meets the government's own definition of affordable".
Andrew Towlerton, the planning advisor at Society of Local Council Clerks, offered a grounded view from the parish and town council level, acknowledging that the overall picture of reforms is becoming increasingly complex and stressed the lack of resources and training for parish and town councils alongside the risk of disengagement due to a perceived lack of impact and the need for councils to stay involved and informed. He said, "Even though things may look dark […], I still think we should continue the good fight".
The event ended with a lively Q&A, where the panel addressed practical concerns from attendees, including the high cost of neighbourhood plans, the impact of the titled balance in planning decisions, the lack of consultation in pre-application processes and how to influence local plans. The speakers encouraged parish and town councils to focus on quality, sustainability, and community engagement before their closing remarks.
The overarching message from the event was clear that parish and town councils should keep fighting for their community's needs, develop a shared local vision, and stay engaged.
