More worrying changes coming down the track, with a Planning Policy paper expected next month to set out a reform of the entire system. The government will launch a planning Policy Paper in July setting out our plan for comprehensive reform of England’s seven-decade old planning system, to introduce a new approach that works better for our modern economy and society.(?)
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) warned that deregulation would not help address the housing shortage because it is “already far too easy to build poor-quality homes”. CPRE’s Tom Fyans said: “Transferring decision-making power from local councils and communities and handing them to developers is the exact opposite of building back better.”
Lots of private vested interests (and political party funding) fuelling all this of course.
How can we make sure this doesn't become the nightmare it could be , with planning control moved to central govt and NO control at a local level. This must NOT happen
My understanding is that, in the short term, having a strong Neighbourhood Plan is the way to ensure better quality homes, decent sustainable infrastructure etc. Salisbury City Council is working on one: https://www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/your-council/neighbourhood-planning
I thought that the neighbourhood plan had to be passed by an inspector who checked that it conformed with national and local policy before being passed. If so, then whatever good stuff you put into the plan will be blocked. We therefore need local and national policy to reflect what we need and can't rely on the neighbourhood plan to enact this sort of planning rule.
I may be wrong, but it's the reason I left a developing neighbourhood plan group, so if I am, pleas let me know.
Ahh, I didn't know that. I'll check with someone who's involved in the NHP and get back to your here. b.
thanks
OK, I found the following:
"The examiner will be considering whether the plan: • has regard to national policy; • contributes to the achievement of sustainable development; • is in general conformity with the adopted strategic local policies for the local area; • is compatible with EU obligations; • meets human rights requirements"
If, for example, the Neighbourhood Plan specified a higher level of thermal insulation for new developments than currently prescribed by Building Regulations, would that constitute "has regard to national policy"? Most national policy documents are very wish-washy, and I can't imagine a single one of them saying "you must not build homes that are better than Building Regulations".
I think I'm going to try and find out a bit more about this.
I wonder if the stated reason for having to provide zero carbon homes could be firstly on the Government commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 and, closer to home, Wiltshire Council's commitment to the same by 2030. After all, Heathrow expansion was thrown out be the courts on the basis on non compatibility with the Paris agreement.
The more pragmatic point will be that Wiltshire Council won't take the risk of a challenge in court by the developer. If they lose, they pay costs.
Somehow, the Local Plan needs to adopt the requirement. Also the National Planning Policy Framework is being reviewed at the moment. Don't know how we influence either, but we need to. Maybe letters to out MP but I don't hold out much hope!