NALC welcomes planning ambitions but calls for infrastructure and local involvement
We have supported the direction of the government's new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), while stressing that communities must have a meaningful voice in shaping development and that new homes must be supported by proper infrastructure.
The NPPF sets out the government's planning policies for England and how they should inform local plans and decisions on development proposals. The substantially revised framework focuses on accelerating housing delivery, supporting economic growth and creating sustainable places.
Key changes include a stronger presumption in favour of sustainable development, greater support for housing and mixed-use development in well-connected locations, including around railway stations, and more emphasis on higher-density development within settlements where appropriate. The framework also strengthens support for renewable and low-carbon energy. It also introduces a more structured approach to Green Belt and grey belt development.
We support the ambition to tackle long-standing challenges within the planning system and deliver more homes. However, development must be accompanied by the roads, schools, healthcare, public transport, green spaces and other facilities needed to create thriving communities. Greater consistency and certainty can support growth, but this must not come at the expense of meaningful local involvement.
We welcome the continued importance placed on neighbourhood planning, which enables communities to shape the future of their areas and support locally led development. With greater pressure to increase housing delivery and prepare local plans more quickly, communities must still be given sufficient time and opportunity to participate effectively. Parish and town councils are well placed to bring local priorities into this process.
Parish and town councils are well placed to bring local knowledge, community priorities and a clear understanding of infrastructure needs into the planning process. As the new framework is implemented, we will continue working with the government and the wider sector to champion their role and ensure the reforms deliver not only more homes, but better, greener and more sustainable places in which people can live and thrive.
