New National Planning Policy Framework Published

On 24 July 2018 the revised National Planning Policy Framework ("NPPF") was published.

The NPPF increases the importance of high-quality design and well-designed places.

The revised framework also provides that from November 2018 local planning authorities will face a Housing Delivery Test which will measure the net additional homes delivered against the homes required. The results of the Housing Delivery Test will be published by the Secretary of State every November and local planning authorities who under-deliver over three years will be required to prepare an action plan to assess causes of under-delivery and identify actions to increase delivery going forwards.

The NPPF further provides that a local planning authority must be able to demonstrate that it has fully examined all other reasonable options before justifying changes to a green belt boundary as part of the "exceptional circumstances" test.

There are also significant changes in the definition of "Affordable housing", with greater emphasis on Affordable housing delivery going forward.

Our planning and development team is currently carrying out an in-depth review of the NPPF and will circulate a newsletter shortly setting out the key changes and new policies in the revised NPPF.

This article is for general guidance only. It provides useful information in a concise form. Action should not be taken without obtaining specific legal advice.