New National Planning Policy Framework: NPPF Dec 2024

 Just in time for Christmas, the Government has now published the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

This advice note highlights key changes that directly affect neighbourhood planning, and other changes that may have a significant indirect effect. Clients are advised to also review the more general commentary on the proposals and their context to gain a rounded picture of the planning system. This includes changes made to the online Planning Practice Guidance of which much more is expected within the new year.

Which NPPF Dec 2024 changes impact on Neighbourhood Plans?

§11 Presumption in favour of sustainable development

The changes signal the particular importance of the location and design of development, securing affordable homes and making effective use of land when the tilted balance is engaged. It balances these ‘safeguards’ with the wording change in providing a ‘strong’ basis for refusing an application rather than a ‘clear’ reason to strengthen the presumption’s wording in the context of the Government’s commitment to increase the supply of homes. Whether the promise of these ‘safeguards’ means that schemes relying on the presumption to win approval will deliver developments that are of a high standard remains to be seen. The inclusion of the housing delivery test now having to fall ‘substantially’ below 75% might appear to raise the bar for the presumption to be triggered. However, other revisions mean that the tilted balance is likely to be engaged more frequently even where there are no housing land supply or delivery test failures (see §232).

This change indicates a clear signal that local communities should be prepared to respond to new proposals for development which are likely to come forward. Having a clear framework upon which to base that kind of engagement remains important. Town, Parish and Community Councils should make sure they have strategies in place that will prepare them for taking part in pre-application discussions, responding to planning applications, taking part in planning appeals, responding to local plan consultations and using the tools available to them to respond proactively and positively to the growth agenda on behalf of its communities. This can include preparing a Neighbourhood Plan and/or design code. 

§14 Neighbourhood plans and the presumption in favour of sustainable development

§30 Non-strategic policies

§63/64 Housing needs

§72/76/78/79 Housing supply

§86/87 Modern economy

§109 Vision-led approach to transport solutions

§125 Brownfield land

§67/68/108/145/146/148/154-159 Green Belt

§231-243 Transitional arrangements

Summary

Preparing for growth remains the message from Government. We’re also very mindful of the recent publication of the English Devolution White Paper and what that may mean for Town, Parish and Community Councils. Now is the ideal time for councils to prepare for responding to development to secure better outcomes for their place, it is important to take a long term view and consider all options that may become available, including changes in the services your council may deliver. We will publish further thoughts on the white paper in due course.

For neighbourhood planning, it would appear that proposals remain generally positive meaning plans can continue to offer a mechanism to manage change positively. For those clients preparing, or reviewing, neighbourhood plans our advice is therefore to continue to do so. For those that remain unsure of whether a neighbourhood plan is the best mechanism to secure outcomes for their place, having a vision upon which to base responses to development as a guiding element is invaluable.

Many of you will be sighing at the thought of the word vision linking this to an elusive concept that is not going to achieve results. You might also associate it with dreamy ideals. What if a vision for your place was about your local knowledge, foresight, prescience, and arming your community to respond to development to secure better outcomes for your place?

Once a vision is established, it is easier to make informed decisions on where to focus efforts and resources in the most impactful way to secure better outcomes for your place. Your vision can inform an action plan guiding how your organisation can take part in the planning system. If you would like to place your organisation in a better position to respond to the government’s drive for growth through securing better outcomes for your place, or you already know what kind of delivery project you need to influence outcomes for your place, contact us.

ONH: Planning for Good: info@oneillhomer.co.uk