The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has published an update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The NPPF was revised on 19 December 2023 in response to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy consultation and sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied.
Developer contributions system
CIC responded to the original NPPF consultation last year to express concerns
CIC responded to the original NPPF consultation last year to express concerns that allowing each local planning authority to decide their planning targets could result in fewer houses being built.
It also wrote of the need for mandatory and standardized whole-life carbon assessments as part of planning applications, and more sites for SMEs in local plans. These are areas that have not been fully addressed in the new framework and CIC will continue to press for change.
Revised National Planning Policy Framework
The revised framework replaces the previous NPPF published in March 2012, revised in July 2018, updated in February 2019, revised in July 2021 and updated in September 2023. The revised National Planning Policy Framework and planning practice guidance to support the framework are available online.
CIC has been proactive on planning matters joining councils, housebuilders, housing associations, charities and planners to call on the government not to proceed with the government’s proposed Infrastructure Levy, calling on it instead to reform the current developer contributions system and warning that its proposals could see a reduction in affordable homes delivered and less money for vital infrastructure.