Mark Southgate

New NPPF, 8 week consultation - Interesting to see a new annexe on green belt viability and that the all-important benchmark land value is marked as xxx. Viability will be key to meeting the 'golden rules'. - Slashing targets in London while allowing green belt building seems counter-intuitive. - Increase in targets overall - deliverable by housebuiders, or just likely to result in a local plan and planning application frenzy? Happy days for land promoters. Sad days for the countryside and for nature. - Asking councils to continue to prepare early stage plans in line with the NPPF under consultation seems a little pre-determined (Gunnings' 'conscientious consideration' of responses, anyone?) - We have to wait until the autumn budget for the all important social housing budget. https://lnkd.in/e5b2ghPx

4

Want to stay informed about the latest planning regulations? Join our free webinar on the 5th of December to understand the updates to the NPPF and how they'll impact planning and development. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ezJb_eDj #HousingTodayLive

1

#BNG fans brace yourselves... In a consultation response we've just received we have been advised of the following when trying to demonstrate that a BNG exemption applies to 'the development' we are proposing: - That you need to complete a biodiversity baseline assessment to determine if an application meets the criteria for the de-minimis exemption - That considering the impacts of 'the development' should go beyond the land affected by ‘the development’ - That this should take account of potential maintenance needed to establish a route or means of access to a development that is, nevertheless, proposed to be sited solely on a sealed surface with zero biodiversity value (even if that maintenance could be carried out at any time and would not constitute 'development') - That definitions in legislation that are stated to apply in connection with the BNG Condition for when permissions are granted are relevant in circumstances when no permission has been granted Despite asking the local planning authority and their consultee on multiple occasions, I have not been directed to any specific legislation or guidance that assists bearing in mind we're at the pre-permission stage. I appreciate we're all rather new to this, but if anyone has any assistance or examples either way, I'd welcome any comments below...

6

9 Comments

Buried beneath headlines of 'grey belts' and LPA housing targets in Labour's Draft NPPF were a number of updates regarding economic planning. Chief amongst them, a requirement for planning policy to identify sites to deliver laboratories, gigafactories, data centres and other forms of infrastructure to develop a 'modern' economy. This is followed by other references to planning policies which seek to modernise the economy and upgrade infrastructure. This is another early indication of the new Government's intent to upgrade the productive capacity of the economy. It will also no doubt result in some new and interesting wrinkles when preparing future employment need evidence bases. Which forms of infrastructure will be required to support local growth industries, and will greater inter-authority collaboration be needed to deliver the right infrastructure in the right places? Further details on the changes to the NPPF are summarised in this blog by my colleagues Seán Farrissey and Paddy Hynes: https://lnkd.in/egTUXufA

27

UK has taken tough measure by establishing an Independent Water Commission to look at water sector comprehensively. Is it time for us too or are we already late? UK says it needs an additional 5 billion litres of water a day by 2050 and plans investments for the same. Do we also have such simple objectives? Namami Gange Rajiv Mishra #watersecurity #climatechange

16

1 Comment

Some initial key headlines in Labour’s manifesto for planning include: Immediate update to NPPF Restoring mandatory housing targets Strengthening ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ Aim of building 1.5 million homes Investment in more planning officers in planning departments Brownfield first approach Strategic review of Green Belt and release of lower quality ‘grey belt’ Reform of CPO powers Combined and Mayoral Authorities to strategically plan for housing growth in their areas Roll out of a New Towns programme Deepening devolution settlements for existing Combined Authorities New statutory requirement for Local Growth Plans that cover towns and cities across the country https://lnkd.in/erdRxmyU

21

📣 The #MidlandsEngine Observatory's latest Regional Economic Impact Monitor is now available for June ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e-f7CVfw 📈 For the latest data from the region, the monitor exec summary and full report provides a snapshot of the Midlands economy

9

The Partnership recently submitted our response to the Government’s proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We welcome this ambitious step toward sustainable development, housing growth, and economic expansion. Our official consultation response highlights the Partnership’s support for the introduction of mandatory housing targets, streamlined planning processes, the prioritisation of brownfield development and strategic land use, including sensible greenfield development. Thurrock faces a critical affordable housing shortage, with hundreds desperately waiting and homelessness rising. Sensible greenfield development is key in addressing Thurrock’s pressing housing needs and for stimulating local economic growth. While we welcome the progress, we continue to call on the Government to clearly articulate the linkage between housebuilding and the strategic potential for economic growth and infrastructure investment. This vision should clearly demonstrate how increased housing translates into job creation, improved connectivity, and enhanced quality of life for residents, supporting local economies and boosting regional prosperity. As we continue to make progress, the Partnership will continue to work together to help contribute to increasing affordable housing, which goes hand-in-hand with supporting economic growth, and the government’s proposed housing targets. Read our response in full on our website: https://lnkd.in/etB7zwhm #NPPF #Housing #MHCLG #Planning

6

It is disappointing to learn that East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) has become the 12th council to declare a housing emergency in Scotland. What is even more disappointing was the fact that they proposed an indicative Local Housing Land Requirement (iLHLR) at the same meeting that falls short of meeting both historic annual completions and the level of need identified by Housing for Scotland in recent research. ERC are not the first council to declare an emergency at the same time as proposing their iLHLR. Housing emergencies will not be solved quickly, but at the very least there needs to be a connection between housing supply in forthcoming local development plans (LDP) and how housing emergencies are addressed. New LDPs will set the housing requirement for 10 years. A failure to set a more ambitious LHLR in the next LDP falls short in meeting current need let alone give options for tackling the housing emergency. When formulating their actions to address the housing emergency ERC, and other councils, are urged to over allocate land for housing as part of their strategy to address the housing emergency. A failure to do so will only reduce potential solutions to solve the local and national housing emergencies.

79

3 Comments

Cabinet papers have been released for the Reg 19 South Ox and Vale Local Plan - Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, 6.00 pm (https://lnkd.in/e-d3RNGp). A 6 week consultation is proposed to be held over October/November. Submission is then expected in December 2024. Interesting acceleration of their Local Plan timetable to try to get in ahead of the new NPPF + one month deadline, and therefore take advantage of draft paragraph 226c. Albeit given the shortfall they are planning for compared to the proposed new SM (see below), they would be expected to commence a new plan ‘at the earliest opportunity’. Policy HOU1 of the Joint Local Plan confirms the housing numbers to be delivered within each district during the plan period (1 April 2021 to 31 March 2041), which are: • South Oxfordshire housing requirement: 16,530 homes • Vale of White Horse housing requirement: 14,490 homes The above figures incorporate an Oxford City unmet need of 4,950 homes for South and 1,830 homes for Vale, as identified in Oxford City Council’s Local Plan 2036. No further homes are included in the requirement to accommodate any newly identified unmet need from Oxford City, which is currently unconfirmed and in the process of being examined for soundness as part of the Oxford City’s Local Plan 2040. The housing requirements are proposed to decrease over the plan period, dropping to the current SM figure for both authorities. In contrast the proposed revised standard method which would see a housing requirement of 1,179 per annum for South Ox and 937 for the Vale.

40

5 Comments

This report is a really excellent short summary of the housing situation in Scotland today with some pithy, pragmatic and insightful recommendations for moving towards zero carbon. I'd urge housing providers and local authority policy planners to read it. What stunned me, though, was that not a single social housing association was present for this conference a couple of months ago, or even the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. https://lnkd.in/eP2zwuWU Bryan Harris Martin Callachan. What happened? #zerocarbon #housing #policychange #scotland

18

7 Comments

“Our landscape policy agenda is grounded in taking a strategic approach, and linking the sustainable development of housing and infrastructure with other positive outcomes for the economy, society, and the environment. We are pleased to see evidence of this approach in the Draft NPPF, but any numerical targets it promotes must be backed up by appropriate policy for the quality, health and climate resiliency of local places.” As the government releases a Draft National Planning Policy Framework, read LI CEO Robert Hughes’ response to proposed planning reforms here. https://buff.ly/3WBweDU #landscapearchitecture #planningreform #nppf

10

Some pretty stark figures about the planning system in this survey by the CLA. The full piece is here. 👇 https://lnkd.in/ek9AuYg6

29

2 Comments

📣 The TCPA's NPPF consultation response (2024) The planning system has the potential to support healthy lives, high quality affordable housing and climate resilient, fairer places that are vital to the nation’s future. However, to achieve these ambitious outcomes, we believe the NPPF requires significant changes over and above those proposed in the current consultation. Our key messages relate to: ◦ A clear purpose for planning framed around a meaningful definition of sustainable development in which social inclusion and wellbeing are restored as key aspects of the concept, in line with the UN SDG goals. ◦ Ensuring robust demographic data is used as the foundation of housing forecasting. ◦ A more effective and defined role for the planning system in tackling the climate crisis. ◦ Meaningful operational policy on promoting health and well-being including a specific focus on reducing health inequalities and setting housing standards. ◦ Strong policy on community participation and enabling local community led development and regeneration Read the full response: https://lnkd.in/gzBs6m8x

23

Did you know that Wakefield Council is consulting on new planning guidance for developers, known as a Supplementary Planning Document, on how to provide at least 10% Net Gain for Biodiversity in new development? To find out more please visit: https://lnkd.in/eUaE2bn4 #Wakefield #WestYorkshire #Yorkshire #BusinessSupport #BusinessGrowth #WakefieldBusiness #YorkshireBusiness #Biodiversity

2

The Northern Housing Consortium’s "Brownfield First" report highlights a transformative opportunity for the North of England: building a new generation of homes on brownfield land. By devolving funding to local Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), we can address the housing crisis, regenerate urban areas, and protect greenfield sites. At Sureserve, we share this vision of transforming communities through sustainable housing solutions. Our commitment to improving social housing efficiency has positioned us as leaders in retrofitting and renewable energy, including heat pumps and solar battery storage. Our high standard of service is driven by our frontline workforce, who deliver lasting impact in their communities. Working as one Sureserve, we support initiatives like “Brownfield First” to drive forward sustainable, affordable housing solutions. Let's back this strategic initiative to create sustainable, affordable housing solutions while rejuvenating our communities. #HousingCrisis #UrbanRegeneration #BrownfieldFirst Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKvkjmqi

6

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) became mandatory over 9 months ago in England. In our latest blog post we share an insiders perspective in terms of what local planning authorities (LPAs) actually need in terms of ecology requirements to support BNG applications. #BNG #biodiversitynetgain #BGP #biodiversitygainplan #ecologyservices

1

RTPI backs Government’s ‘Plan for Change’ to align housing ambitions with climate goals The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has welcomed the government’s plans to coordinate decisions on housing and infrastructure at a national level, as outlined in yesterday’s ‘Plan for Change’. Since taking office, the new UK government has committed to building 1.5 million homes in five years and cutting emissions by 81% by 2035. Without a coordinated land use strategy, as outlined by the Government today, the UK risks falling short of these ambitions. Unlike Scotland and Wales, which have national spatial plans in place, England has no overarching framework to coordinate land use, ensuring that new infrastructure, housing, and nature recovery plans work in tandem. Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “The message of the Prime Minister is accurate. Poor planning, which lacks both resources and an overarching, strategic approach, will hold England back from building a positive and sustainable future. “The Government’s ‘Plan for Change,’ however, clearly outlines points made time and again by the RTPI: the need to plan more effectively by creating a system that not only meets housing target but builds connected, thriving communities. Only a plan-led approach can deliver this. “The Plan for Change suggests that the government wants to strategically join up decisions on business growth, infrastructure and housing at the national level. This is something the RTPI has long called for. https://lnkd.in/ezwPkAFQ

1

Habitat for Humanity GB supports the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, particularly: - Clear targets for social & affordable housing, these homes must be prioritised to tackle waiting lists & reduce homelessness. 📍 - A focus on urban densification that’s sustainable & connects communities to jobs and services. 👐 - Repurposing empty commercial spaces into homes, helping councils create affordable housing quickly and sustainably. 🌱 However, planning reform is not a silver bullet. Local councils need more resources & government investment to turn these plans into reality. Decarbonisation, social cohesion and revitalising local areas must be central to any housing strategy. Reforming the planning system is just one step toward tackling the UK Housing Crisis, but it’s a crucial one! Read our response: https://ow.ly/Ttjt50TuxU7 #HousingCrisis #UKHousing #Sustainability Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

4