The introduction of a ‘default yes’ for new housing around train stations could come at the expense of the environment, local accountability and decision-making, the LGA has warned.
In response to the publication last month of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the LGA also urged government to be mindful that local planning authorities face a “period of significant flux” given devolution, local government reorganisation and the introduction of spatial development strategies.
The new NPPF sets out the Government’s policies for plan-making and for making decisions on development proposals in England, and how these are expected to be applied.
Ministers said thousands of new homes will be built around train, tram and underground stations under the new planning rules, helping create jobs and drive growth.
An LGA spokesperson said: “Local government broadly supports the Government’s objective of creating a more efficient and effective planning system for greater delivery and infrastructure, as councils already approve nine in 10 planning applications.
“Councils are ready to support house building and tackle the housing crisis, and support measures to enable that.
“The long-awaited publication of the revised NPPF may, in time, provide clarity on national policies for plan-making and decision-making, and could help streamline planning decisions.
“However, concerns remain that some changes to the NPPF, including the ‘default yes’ for new development around train stations at nationally set density standards, could come at the expense of environmental protections, local democratic accountability and local decision-making.”