NPPF review welcomed, but SMEs still wait for support
The Government has released its response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders, said:
“The NPPF review reintroduces much needed mandatory housing targets, permits more land allocation through a new definition of grey belt, and establishes golden rules for greenbelt usage, which at first glance may see larger sites delivered due to the associated costs.
These changes are vital in stepping up the challenge of building 300,000 homes a year and ensuring we one day have a parliamentary term where 1.5 million homes can be built. We particularly welcome the ‘stick’ of central government intervention if councils continue to avoid making or updating local plans.”
The Government also announced that:
- Brownfield land will be viewed as the first port of call for delivery, with ‘Brownfield Passports’ to be further consulted on
- Councils will get £100 million to update and review their local plans
- Developers must provide the necessary infrastructure for local communities, such as nurseries, GP surgeries, and transport, as well as a premium level of social and affordable housing, when delivering on the greenbelt
Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Policy and Market Insight at the NFB and House Builders Association (HBA), said:
“It is encouraging to see the Government stand by their density ambitions, mandatory housing targets, five-year land supplies, and the reintroduction of council boundary cooperation on housing numbers.
Delaying spatial planning until a strategic framework is in place, is the right approach, and it’s promising to see that Brownfield Passports are about making the most of public land rather than merely using it to deliver residential development. And finally, taking more time to think about benchmarking land values is a great relief.
However, there are areas of concern. The planning conditions discharge fees are set to rise, without any indication that their abuse will be limited. When they became individually chargeable they went from fewer than ten, to tens. Planning fees are also set to rise, without any announcement of recourse if services are poor. And finally, the NFB’s campaign for a medium sized site to fit between minor and major continues, as the Government did not even note this broadly welcomed campaign. It has also not mandated councils to deliver just 10% of their allocated sites as small.
There is a lot to still digest, and the review has taken us into a more positive planning place but unfortunately it remains crumbs for SMEs and a long way to go to hit the 370,000 new homes a year target.”
