What’s it all about? – National Planning Policy Framework
The National Planning Policy Framework is the Government’s initiative to make the UK planning and development process easier to work with, and at the same time more responsive to the needs of local people affected by new development.
By its advocates, it is believed to be a practical way to encourage development of more houses in the UK, whilst keeping that need in balance with the equally pressing requirements of the environ- ment and sustainability.
By its detractors, it is seen as a purely expedient measure that will simply encourage the development of low quality houses at the cost of sustainability and potentially the countryside in general.
What does the NPPF mean to any potential development in the Shoreham chalk pit?
In theory, the NPPF should make the successful development of an ambitious plan for the chalk pit much easier to achieve. This is because only such an ambitious development can genuinely deliver satisfactory outcomes to such a broad range of stakeholders.
The key demands of the NPPF can all be met by the plan for the chalk pit proposed by the South Down Project. Furthermore, that plan will also deliver successful solutions to all the demands of the South Downs National Park, the relevant local Councils, and the needs of local residents and businesses as defined by the applicable Neighbourhood Planning Policies.
What is the Localism Act, and how will it impact the South Down Project?
The Localism Act was introduced in November 2011. The aim of the act is to devolve more decision making powers from central government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils. The act covers a wide range of issues related to local public services, with a particular focus on the general power of competence, community rights, neighbourhood planning and housing.
The key measures of the act are grouped under four main headings:
- New freedoms and flexibilities for Local Government.
- New rights and powers for communities and individuals.
- Reform to make the planning system more democratic and more effective.
- Reform to ensure decisions about housing are taken locally.
The Localism Act, in conjunction with the South Downs National Park Authority planning regulations, will enable the development of a thriving community that will have no adverse impact on the National Park.
The criteria attached to each set of planning regulations are all completely congruent with the objectives of the South Down Project.
The criteria of the NPPF.
Following are the key criteria of the NPPF:
- Building a strong, competitive economy.
- Ensuring the vitality of town centres.
- Supporting a prosperous rural economy.
- Promoting sustainable transport.
- Supporting a high quality communications infrastructure.
- Delivering a wide choice of high quality homes.
- Requiring good design.
- Promoting healthy communities.
- Protecting Green Belt land.
- Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change.
- Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.
- Conserving and enhancing the historic environment.
- Facilitating the sustainable use of minerals.
Click here to see how we align with the criteria.
