Following the Labour Party’s victory in the 2024 general election, reform of the planning system has become a key part of the government agenda.
With a commitment to “get Britain building again” and deliver 1.5 million homes over the next parliament, Alec Cropper (pictured), a partner at boutique planning law firm Walton & Co, discusses the proposed amendments that are the subject of consultation, and other legislative changes.
Housing need and land supply
Through its suggested amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Government is proposing to revise standard methodologies through which housing need is calculated. If such revisions are implemented in their current form, then housing targets will increase to approximately 370,000 dwellings per year across England. Annual targets in Yorkshire and Humber will increase by over 45%.
Local planning authorities will also be expected to demonstrate a five year housing land supply, with a buffer added to calculations to ensure resilience. Where a council cannot demonstrate a sufficient housing land supply, a presumption in favour of the development will typically be engaged.
Grey belt and green belt
The idea of ‘Grey Belt’ land was trailed prior to the election campaign. The proposed amendments to the NPPF now provide further detail as to what this entails.
Grey Belt is defined as brownfield land in the Green Belt or other land that makes a “limited contribution” to the five purposes that Green Belt land is expected to serve. However, land with specific designations (such as Areas of Outstanding National Beauty or land within National Parks) is excluded.
Where land in sustainable locations is identified as ‘Grey Belt’, development will not be regarded as inappropriate provided it does not undermine the function of the Green Belt, and there is a demonstrable need for it. Housing schemes on Grey Belt land will be expected to deliver at least 50% affordable housing, necessary improvements to infrastructure, and improvements to green spaces.
Renewables, commercial development, and infrastructure
Having lifted a de facto ban on onshore wind development, the Government’s proposed changes to the NPPF further emphasise that applications for all forms of renewable and low carbon development should be supported. As part of this, councils will be required to identify suitable areas for renewable energy schemes and give significant weight to energy generation when determining applications.
Planning authorities will similarly be expected to identify sites for commercial development which meet the needs of a modern economy, such as data centres, laboratories, logistics, and gigafactories. Changes heralded through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill announced as part of the King’s Speech also intend to streamline the delivery process for critical infrastructure.
Regional planning and new towns
The Government has expressed a desire to introduce new legislation for Regional Development Strategies that address planning and infrastructure needs across local authority boundaries. Elected mayors are expected to play a central role in overseeing this development.
The Government’s Policy Statement on New Towns has also reaffirmed its commitment to building large-scale new communities across England. An independent New Towns Taskforce has been created that will advise ministers on appropriate locations for significant housing growth. A final shortlist is expected within 12 months.
With planning overhauls at the forefront of the Government’s drive for economic growth, clients and their advisers will want to monitor legislative and policy changes that are introduced.
Walton & Co is a leading planning law practice that advises landowners, developers, public authorities, and other law firms across all matters of the planning process, including highways, and compulsory purchase.
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