The much-anticipated National Planning Policy Framework has now been published, replacing over 1,300 pages of impenetrable planning policy jargon with a simplified 50 page document. My colleagues and I have spent a great deal of time over the past five months examining each of the 17,000 responses that were received during the consultation stage and the new guidance has been revised in line with a number of the sensible and practical suggestions that were made. I hope readers will agree that the Framework has been strengthened by these changes and I am very grateful to constituents who took the time to partake in this debate.
The majority of people who have attempted to navigate their way around our planning system can testify that it is slow, adversarial and complex – indeed, it is almost entirely inaccessible to anyone who lacks specialist training. This new Framework is all about simplifying the process, and delivering a National planning policy that has three fundamental objectives: to put power in the hands of communities to shape the places in which they live; to help create the homes and jobs the country needs; and to protect and enhance our natural and historic environment.
Unfortunately, there has been a degree of ill-informed controversy surrounding the National Planning Policy Framework, so I thought it would be useful to set out a few details about its content and how the guidance might affect residents in Bromley & Chislehurst.
The Local Plan
Our planning system remains plan-led, with applications for permission being determined in accordance with the local development plan. Bromley Council has a range of statutory planning documents in place for development control purposes in the Borough and this gives our area a strong basis to resist inappropriate development. A good Core Strategy, which will become known as ""The Local Plan"", is the best mechanism through which residents can influence patterns of local growth and the Framework contains transitional arrangements that will give councils like Bromley sufficient time to put this in place.
The Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development
Contrary to popular belief, the presumption will not simply give a “green light” to development that is unacceptable in planning terms; it will, instead, encourage the timely approval of good applications that are in line with local aspirations. The presumption can be rebutted if a proposal is contrary to an up-to-date, adopted development plan, or if it contravenes the strong protections set out in the Framework.
Environmental protections
The new Framework re-affirms the Government’s firm commitment to maintaining Green Belt protections that prevent urban sprawl, and inappropriate development which is harmful to Bromley’s Green Belt should not be approved. Designated land – such as Bromley’s five Local Nature Reserves - will also retain the protections they enjoyed previously. It is also worth noting that the new planning guidance recognises the intrinsic value and beauty of the countryside, whether or not it is specifically designated.
Garden Grabbing
The over-development of suburban neighbourhoods has been a huge problem in Bromley, and there is no evidence to suggest that developing on gardens has taken pressure off Green Belt land. Until this current Government made amendments to planning guidance last June, Bromley Council often found it difficult to refuse inappropriate infill development, resulting in overly-dense residential areas and a loss of valued green space. The new Framework allows Bromley council to give greater protection to back gardens and decide what level of density is appropriate for our local area.
Travellers
Alongside the National Planning Policy Framework, we have also published definitive new planning guidance on traveller sites. This separate document replaces the flawed Labour planning circulars on travellers and will help Bromley Council in planning enforcement cases against unauthorised development. By installing a sense of fairness in the planning system once more, I believe we can improve relations between the settled and travelling communities and help avoid the negative stories that undermine the reputation of travellers as a whole.
Further information
A copy of the National Planning Policy Framework can be found at:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/nppf
A copy of the travellers planning document can be found at:
www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/planningpolicyt…