Government urges avoidance of “one size fits all” solutions…

The government has warned that reform of the UK’s planning system must move away from a “one size fits all” approach to boost growth.

Labour could unveil plans for legislation to build 1.5 million new homes when it sets out its parliamentary programme in the Royal Speech this week.

While Labour has suggested it will expand on lower quality greenfield and brownfield sites, planning and development consultancy Lichfields warns the current system has challenges that could limit or at least delay investment.

A new report, ‘Prime Developed Areas in the Green Belt – the land that policy forgot?’, has been published, explaining how pre-2012 national policy recognised green belt land as Prime Developed Areas (MDS) and providing clearer guidance on how Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) should assess development applications.

However, this was removed in the 2012 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which set out more subjective, general guidelines, removing detail about how an LPA can approach identifying, defining and directing development, and potentially limiting the ability of these places to thrive and contribute to the local economy and services.

The research shows that of 180 local government offices with green spaces, only one third have adopted criteria-based, tailored policies, while two thirds apply the general NPPF guidelines by default.

In addition, there is regional variation in policy approaches, with the North West of England relying most on general green belt policies based on the NPPF, and the South East of England leading in tailored policies.

Ian York, Lichfields Planning Director and co-author of the report, said: “Our research shows that most LPAs adopt blanket policies that replicate national guidance. We need to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach and adopt local, tailored policies that recognise the unique qualities of these places.

“The report calls on local environmental agencies to work with landowners and operators to develop detailed policies that clearly define the parameters of development, ensuring that these areas can develop without compromising the integrity of the greenways.”

With the new Labour government committed to updating the NPPF within its first 100 days, York said there was a “key opportunity” to reintroduce policy guidance similar to the previous MDS framework.

York added: “This will provide much-needed clarity and support to both governments and developers.”

The full study can be downloaded here: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/major-developed-sites-in-the-green-belt