The UK government has unveiled a significant overhaul of the planning system, aiming to boost housing supply and economic growth. At the heart of the reforms is the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which has undergone several key changes. One major adjustment is the relaxation of appeal deadlines, providing more flexibility for developers and local authorities. However, some changes have sparked controversy, particularly those related to Green Belt development and housing targets.
The government proposes to make the standard method for assessing housing needs mandatory, requiring local authorities to plan for the resulting housing need figure. This move aims to increase housing supply and address the chronic undersupply of land that has contributed to the housing crisis. Additionally, the reforms introduce a new sequential test to guide the release of land for development, prioritizing brownfield sites and promoting more efficient use of land.
The changes also impact Green Belt development, with the introduction of “grey belt land” – areas within the Green Belt that are suitable for development while maintaining the broader aims of Green Belt protection. Furthermore, the government plans to strengthen support for community-led development and promote mixed-tenure development.
Local authorities will be required to create design codes for their areas, integrated into local or supplementary plans, and maintain effective cooperation on strategic issues like housing need. The reforms also aim to streamline the planning process, reducing delays and uncertainty for developers.
