The New National Planning Policy Framework: What does it mean for Developers?
The Government has published its revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) following the Spring consultation exercise on draft changes. The new NPPF focuses on the promotion of high quality design of new homes and places, stronger protection for the environment, delivering a sufficient supply of houses in the right places and placing greater responsibility on councils and developers for delivery – as well as streamlining current processes. Key changes for the development community include: Plan-Making – an expectation that Local Plans will set out the developer contributions expected from development e.g. types of affordable housing provision required and other infrastructure such as education, health, transport, flood and water management and green and digital infrastructure. Decision-making – viability assessments should reflect the recommended approach in national planning guidance (a tacit admission that the previous approach was too ad...