The proposals to change our planning rules have been described by some as a dramatic return to ‘old school’ planning, with stronger control from central government.
The LGA’s Independent Group is known for working directly with our members in developing our policy positions, rather than taking a central party line.
We develop our independent thinking in discussions in our policy think tanks, and at events to ‘deep dive’ into key issues.
Two think tanks met in February to review the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), with consultations on those changes closing on 2 March.
The five-year housing land supply requirement appears to be replaced by a two-year ‘delivery test’, leaving the Government with all the necessary levers that were so unpopular in the previous proposals.
Members expressed their frustration at how the ‘viability test’ undermines local priorities, linked with retention of targets for housing numbers – locally led, but no doubt nationally guided.
“We need to be taking every legislative opportunity to empower councils”
The Chris Skidmore review into net zero confirmed the key role that councils play, including through their planning and place-shaping role, but this has not been reflected in the consultation.
While it tinkers with wind power, it doesn’t connect with government legislation on reducing emissions.
This is a significant missed opportunity when we need to be taking every legislative opportunity to empower our councils.
Our members are very concerned about the tension between the apparent government objective for locally led planning and the statement that national management development plans take precedence over local and neighbourhood plans.