Following chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first major speech on 8 July, there has been significant interest regarding the Labour government’s plans to overhaul the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
These ambitious changes aim to boost economic growth and address longstanding issues within the current planning framework. While we await further details, PWA Planning’s Matthew Wyatt, provides an overview of the expected reforms and their potential impact on development proposals.
Reform of the National Planning Policy Framework
Chancellor Reeves announced that the government would reform the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), consulting on a new growth-focused approach to the planning system before the end of the month, including restoring mandatory housing targets.
This reform is designed to streamline the planning process and enhance economic growth.
A draft consultation on the NPPF is anticipated by the end of the month, although it may take a few months before the new NPPF is fully implemented. The draft will provide a clear direction, and we expect a written ministerial statement instructing chief planning officers and inspectors to give more weight to the benefits of housing and economic growth.
Notably, deputy prime minister and housing secretary Angela Rayner has already recovered two planning appeals for economic development.
Reeves emphasised this in her speech: “The deputy prime minister has said that, when she intervenes in the economic planning system, the benefits of development will be a central consideration, that she will not hesitate to review an application with a potential gain for the regional and national economies.”
The return of onshore wind
Reeves announced the end of the de facto “ban” on new onshore wind schemes in England. This move is expected to accelerate renewable energy project development and support the government’s goal of doubling onshore wind generating capacity by 2035.
A joint policy statement from the Treasury, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) declared the government’s commitment to doubling onshore wind energy by 2030.
The Government has already released a policy statement which amongst other matters, confirms that footnotes contained within the NPPF, that required full community support for onshore wind projects, are no longer in effect. This allows energy developers to begin considering new sites for onshore wind.
However, it is important to remember that all other policy requirements, such as visual impact considerations, will remain in place.
Creating a task force for stalled housing sites
The government will establish a new task force to accelerate stalled housing sites, representing more than 14,000 homes.
This initiative demonstrates the Labour government’s commitment to addressing housing shortages and revitalizing development.
Prioritising critical infrastructure projects
Reeves highlighted the importance of prioritising delayed infrastructure projects. She will instruct the transport and energy secretaries to expedite decisions on unresolved projects and set out new policy intentions for critical infrastructure in the coming months.
What does this mean for developers?
Reeves acknowledged potential opposition to these bold reforms but emphasised the government’s determination to move forward. “We will not succumb to a status quo, which responds to the existence of trade-offs by always saying ‘no’, and relegates the national interest below other priorities,” she stated.
She concluded by affirming the government’s commitment to action: “This Labour government has been elected on a mandate to get things done, to get Britain building again.”
For developers, it is crucial to review the draft NPPF once it is available to develop detailed strategies for securing planning permission.
However, it is evident that we are entering a period where planning applications and appeals for housing, economic, and energy developments will be evaluated in a more favourable environment.
Some sites might be ready for an application over the coming months, while others will need promotion through the Local Plan. If the government implements the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023, we could see a more accelerated system for allocations. Be prepared to take advantage of this window of opportunity.
If you require more information, please contact our team on 01772 369 669.
