The new National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (NPPF), introduced by government earlier this year, requires all Councils to have new "Local Plans" in place as soon as possible. These Plans are to identify locations for new sustainable' development. Therefore, now is a 'critical' time to promote land through this Plan making process.
Many Councils are now responding to this NPPF requirement by accelerating the preparation of these Local Plans, and as a result many Plans will be the subject of a Public Examination during 2012 and 2013. DMH Stallard's Planning team is already engaged in promoting sites for development in several Districts, which will be holding an Examination over this period. These potential development sites include housing, commercial, industrial, retail, leisure, and mixed use schemes.
It is encouraging that the "presumption in favour of sustainable development" requires Councils to identify and meet the housing, business and other development needs of an area, for a period of at least 15 years. The underlying theme of the new Framework is to build a strong, competitive economy.
Leading up to these Public Examinations, Councils are required to produce draft plans, and to engage in wide public consultation. These are opportunities not to be missed, and constant monitoring of Plan preparation is essential.
In making submissions throughout this Local Plan process, particular emphasis should be placed on "availability", "sustainability", "deliverability", and also on high quality design, which is a common thread through the NPPF.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
