NFU responds to National Planning Policy Framework – NFUonline

The consultation will run for 8 weeks and close on 24 September 2024 at 11:45pm.

The NFU will be seeking feedback from members to provide their views on the proposed changes. This feedback will be published in due course.

The new government has already made minor changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with the end of the de facto ban on onshore wind. This consultation is a fundamental overhaul of the planning system to deliver more housing, infrastructure and economically significant projects.

Food production

The NPPF lacks policies on food production.

The current single entry is footnote 64, which adds some weight to food production and tries to avoid using agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes. The current proposal removes any weight given to food production.

The NFU has previously sought the inclusion of food production in the NPPF and believes that the proposal in its current form is counter-productive and a retrograde step.

Changes in housing construction

The proposals significantly strengthen the policy to support housing delivery. The policy will make it easier for developers to deliver projects, while local authorities will be required to comply with stricter and more mandatory rules to achieve housing targets.

Farmers are likely to see a greater increase in residential construction, which could impact their business if it is located nearby. In addition, farmers may also see their land attracting more interest from parties interested in purchasing land for development.

Changes in the green belt

Green areas are once again in the spotlight as they are among the most desirable places for development in the country.

The “gray belt” has been given a definition, which can be read in the NPPF dictionary. It should be noted that previously developed land does not constitute agricultural land or buildings.

The Government is now requiring local authorities to carry out more green space reviews, which will lead to more green space being made available for development.

Infrastructure changes

As with housing, there is a huge drive to deliver new infrastructure. The new NPPF creates and strengthens a policy of faster infrastructure delivery.

Local authorities will be required to select and designate areas suitable for infrastructure development, similar to how land is currently allocated for housing and employment purposes.

This policy goes hand in hand with changes to the scope of infrastructure that will be decided at the government level (infrastructure projects of national importance) rather than at the local authority level. As onshore wind and solar grow, thresholds will be set to decide who will decide on more projects that will be undertaken at the local authority level.

Further support

To see the full list of proposed changes, visit: GOV.UK | Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system.

If you have any questions about the new National Planning Policy Framework, please contact your local NFU representative or our CallFirst helpline on 0370 845 8458.