Vital to maximising asset value, the planning system regulates the use and development of property. The draft NPPF approaches this from a grass roots level, intended to deliver a system that is positive, proactive, simple and free from bureaucratic barriers.
Key changes include:
● A presumption in favour of sustainable development – making the default answer ‘yes’;
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● Changes to the plan making system – giving an increased role to local stakeholders;
● A commitment to increased housing delivery – with a requirement to identify more land;
● A more flexible approach to the Green Belt, renewables and the historic environment.
These changes create a range of new opportunities and risks, such as through a move towards neighbourhood planning which is set to re-focus the way developers and landholders engage with the local community. The shift will enable local people to play a key role in delivering developments they support and preventing other schemes from coming forward. As a result, involvement in the planning process at an early stage will become increasingly important to securing a favourable outcome for all parties.
The Government welcome comments on the draft NPPF until 17 October 2011 and this therefore presents a rare opportunity for all landowners and developers to secure wide ranging policy gains.
(GK)
