No doubt you have read all about the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in the recent Otford Society Newsletter and from other organisations such as the National Trust and CPRE. What are your views? What are your concerns? As I am sure you have read the opposing views, this is the governements view point: The government is concerned that the average age of a first time buyer is in their late 30s and that we need more homes for people. Building more homes would help to kick start our sluggish economy. We also need more places of employment, again to give people jobs and for the wider economy. The government is seeking sustainable growth: sustainable meaning ensuring that better lives for ourselves does not mean worse lives for future generations; and development means being able to accomodate the new ways by which we will earn a living in a competitive world. The government wants to house a rising population, which is living longer and wants to make new choices. It wants us to be able to respond to the changes in new technolgies. It is concerned that our lives, and the places in which we live them, can be better, but they will certainly be worse if things stagnate. Sustainable development is about positive growth - making economic, environmental and social progess for this and future genrations. The planning sysyem is about helping to make this happen. The NPPF does provide protection for our natural and hsitoric environment. Here are some facts about it that you may not be aware of: Myth: Change is not needed / planning isn’t the problem Fact: Planning is actig as a serious brake ineeded new jobs and new business. There is a broad recognition that the sis slow, complex, bureaucratic and unresponsive. Reform is imperative for oeconomic recovery. The average first-time buyer is well into their 30slumped to its lowest level since 1924 and planning is a significant factor. Combining all national planning policies into one concise document will improve clarity and unblock the system. But this isn’t a green light for any development, anywhere. The Framework retains strong protections for the environment and heritage that we cherish. Myth: This is a developer's charter Fact: Not true. From the birth of modern planning in 1947 there was a presumption in favour of development. This was turned into a plan-led approach in 1991. The presumption in favour of sustainable development carries forward this emphasis onpositive planning, while reinforcing the primacy of the democratically produced local plan. Where plans are not up-to-date (out provide a robust framework for making decisions, safeguarding the things that matter like the Greenbelt and areas at risk of flooding. Myth: This isn’t localism - the Framework takes control away from local communities Fact: Not true. The Framework puts local people in the driving seat of decision making in the planning system. Communitareas they wish to see developed and those to be protected, through their Local Plan. Once a local plan is in place which has the support of the local community that is what will drive decision making. Legislation will abolish the old regional strategies and top down housing targets. It will no longer be possible for Inspectors to enforce changes to local plans and newneighbourhood planning powers will give real control to local people. Myth: The presumption in favour of sustainable development will mean that every application has to be accepted Fact: Not true. The presumption is not a green light for development. All proposals will need to demonstrate their sustainabilit planning system, including protecting communities and the environment from unacceptable proposals. The presumption is princapally about good plan making. Once a local plan is put inplace local decisions should be made in line with it. Myth: Communities won’t be able to protect green spaces or countryside Fact: Not true. Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding and other design communities will be given a new power to protect locally important green spwhich are a vital part of residents’ quality of life. Rather than imposing targets or blueprints from above, this Government is changing things so that local people and their councils decide for themselves where to locate development and how the Myth: The Green Belt will be concreted over Fact: Not true. The new framework re-affirms the Government’s commitment to maintai also remove the top down pressure on councils to build on the Green Belt.
