Government’s launch of a consultation into revising the National Planning Policy Framework
Commenting on the Government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system, which opened to consultation (30 July).
Ben Standing, Partner specialising in planning and environmental law at UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson said: “It’s welcoming to see the new Government waste no time in unveiling its plans for reforming the planning system, but it must ensure it works in close collaboration with the local authorities that will execute this new regime, rather than forcing something on them.
“The proposals point to a whole-system upheaval, but it must also consider whether any system can function effectively without the necessary people and skills, which are in high demand in local government due to insufficient funding over a prolonged period.
“Time and again, we hear from local planning authorities that they are having to consider the merits of large, complex developments that require specific expertise to handle a wide range of planning and legal issues.
“Their inability to call upon this resource is bringing the planning system to a gridlock and prevents councils from regularly updating local plans, which is why only a third have a plan that is under five years old.
“We would therefore urge the Government to tackle this issue in co-ordination with its proposed revision of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). We would like to see new funding announced for local authorities and a focus on accessing the necessary training. Perhaps a dedicated central resource of specific skills could be made available.
“The combination of more resource, along with an NPPF that clearly sets priorities for specific issues, should allow the planning system to be quicker and more consistent in its outcomes.”
You may be interested in...
Legal Update
Navigating the future: A consultative approach to local government funding reform
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: December 2024
Online Event
Pupillage open evening
Published Article
Navigating the future of local government finance: Strategies for maximising central government funding
Press Release
Comment on English devolution white paper
Legal Update
Taking account of a supplier’s approach to payment in major contracts procurement (PPN015 and PPN018): What is new?
Legal Update
Planning Reform Working Paper: Planning committees
Legal Update
Martyn’s Law: Paving the way for enhanced security measures across UK venues and events
Legal Update
Employment Rights Bill: Will it cost more to outsource public services and back-office functions?
Legal Update
A call to councils: Implementing effective tree management to prevent future tragedies
Legal Update
Navigating workplace sexual harassment laws during the festive season
Press Release
Comments on new MHRA clinical trial regulations
Press Release
Comments on the National Planning Policy Framework reform
Opinion
Revolutionising the Workforce: Impact of Get Britain Working White Paper
Legal Update
The latest take on vicarious liability for kinship / connected person foster care
Legal Update
Supreme Court shines a light on collective agreements
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Celtic Freeport as it opens for business
Press Release
Comments on the Prime Minister’s ‘Plan for Change’ speech
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Oxford City Council on Barton Park affordable housing deal
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: November 2024
Legal Update
The housing benefit subsidy deficit: Strategies for funding temporary accommodation
Legal Update
Manchester Ship Canal Co Ltd v United Utilities Water Ltd: Opening the floodgates to mass litigation?
Legal Update
What’s in a name: ESG principles and UK local authorities
Legal Update
How the Data (Use and Access) Bill will impact the public sector
Legal Update
Environmental crime and the impact for insurers
Legal Update
Know your dispute resolution clauses: Key take-aways from Kajima v Children’s Ark and Lancashire Schools v Lendlease
Legal Update
Martyn's Law: A closer look at the UK's new proposed anti-terror measures
Opinion
Law Commission initial consultation published on reforming Part 2 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
Legal Update
Building an inclusive workplace: Strategies for attracting and retaining disabled talent
Press Release
Browne Jacobson advises Clean Power Hydrogen on global IP licence agreement
Legal Update
Roundtable report: Community engagement in high street regeneration
Legal Update - Public matters newsletter
Public matters: October 2024
Legal Update
New amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules and their impact
Press Release
Browne Jacobson sponsors public sector think tank on new report
Legal Update
Supreme Court clarifies public authority liability: Police duty of care in negligence cases
Published Article
The pressure on western universities to divest in fossil fuels: Navigating legal complexities and environmental responsibilities
Legal Update - Employment Rights Bill
Labour’s employment law reforms: Employment Rights Bill unveiled
Press Release
Browne Jacobson to provide legal services to public bodies across UK after appointment on inaugural YPO framework
Legal Update
Organisational approaches to ESG and sustainability matters
