The Government has published its long-awaited draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for consultation.
The Framework was announced in December 2010 when the Government launched an initial consultation inviting views from planning professionals, local authorities, community groups and members of the public on its proposals to radically overhaul planning policy.
Listed as one of the 92 commitments in the Government's Natural Environment White Paper, the Framework is a key part of the Government's reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, and to promote sustainable growth.
The NPPF will streamline the national planning policies set out in around 40 documents, which run to over 1,000 pages. It will simplify national planning policy and central direction, which has become too bureaucratic and remote from the communities it affects. The Framework will have the same legal status as current Government policy documents.
The new framework will:
- hand power back to local communities to decide what is right for them - instead of imposing excessive rigid rules from the centre;
- be more user-friendly and accessible, so that it is easier for members of the public to have a meaningful say in planning decisions;
- make sure that planning is used as a mechanism for delivering Government objectives only where it is relevant, proportionate and effective to do so; and establish a presumption in favour of sustainable development.
Planning Minister Greg Clark said:
"Clarity in planning has become lost in translation. National planning policy and central government guidance has become so bloated that it now contains more words than the complete works of Shakespeare, making it impenetrable to ordinary people.
"We need a simpler, swifter system that is easier to understand and where you don't need to pay for a lawyer to navigate your way around. That's why we promised reform to make planning easier to understand and easier to use for everyone.
"Today's proposals set out national planning policy more concisely, and in doing so make clearer the importance of planning to safeguarding our extraordinary environment and meeting the needs of communities, now and in the future."
Responses are invited from individuals and organisations with an interest in planning including neighbourhood and community groups, local planning authorities, businesses of all sizes, developers, and interest groups and organisations.
The consultation runs until 17 October 2011.
During September, the Government is also holding consultation workshops in London, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol. Those interested in attending should email: alan.scott@communities.gsi.gov.uk.
Further details at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/planningsystem/planningpolicy/planningpolicyframework/