BRIEFING NOTE
P R O P O S E D R E F O R M T O N AT I O N A L P L A N N I N G P O L I C Y FEBRUARY 2023 On 22nd December 2022, the Government published its long awaited proposals for revising the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for public consultation. Interested parties are invited to provide feedback on the proposed reforms by 2nd March 2023. The Government will then consider the responses received before formally publishing an updated NPPF (most likely in Spring 2023).
KEY AREAS OF CHANGE Meeting housing needs Local Plan making Greater weight to Neighbourhood Plans Watered down requirement to maintain 5YHLS
The NPPF is the document that sets out the Government's planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied by local planning authorities (LPAs) in planmaking and decision-taking. The proposed reforms represent the largest shake up of the planning system since the introduction of the original NPPF in 2012. That document set a bold vision for boosting housing delivery and introduced the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’; a core principle that has underpinned the planning system for nearly 11-years. So what are the proposed changes and what effect will they have on the future of planning and development in England?
Application of the titled balance Beautiful design Combatting climate change
1. MEETING HOUSING NEEDS The current NPPF includes a requirement for all LPAs to meet the objectively assessed housing needs of their respective areas. This should be calculated using the standard method unless exceptional circumstances prevent this from being achieved. Such needs should be met within the LPA area where possible, albeit there is also the option of meeting some need within adjoining LPA areas with their co-operation.
GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT www.gth.net