The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was revised in response to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill consultation on the reforms to national planning policy consultation in December last year, setting out the Government's planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied.
As Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove MP met with neighbouring Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt to discuss these recent revisions, particularly in reference to Neighbourhood Plans.
Neighbourhood planning gives local communities the power to develop a shared vision for their area. Parish Councils, particularly here in Surrey Heath, are able to play a central role in drafting and creating these plans for their parishes. Neighbourhood plans can shape, direct and help to deliver sustainable development, by influencing local authority planning decisions as part of the statutory development plan.
Commenting, Jeremy said:
"One of my key campaigning aims in the last few years has been to increase protections for our Neighbourhood Plans. This week I sat down with Michael Gove to discuss progress made by recent updates to the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework).
"Neighbourhood Plans are created by local communities; they enable local people to have a say in what development is appropriate in their area. Once adopted, a strong Neighbourhood Plan protects from inappropriate speculative development, instead progressing development on appropriate sites shortlisted by local people.
"Because of changes to the NPPF which came into force in December 2023, development protections provided by Neighbourhood Plans is now extended from 2 yrs to 5 years.
"This is especially important where a local plan (which sits above a Neighbourhood Plan) cannot demonstrate a 5 year forward housing supply - in my local constituency a lack of 5 year housing supply has meant significant development outside of the sites allocated in the Local and Neighbourhood plan in recent years.
"It’s so important we ensure houses are built - but we must make sure they are built in the right locations, with the right infrastructure in place and with the majority consent of local people. Recent changes to the NPPF and strengthening the protections of Neighbourhood Plans are a big step forward in ensuring this happens."
Pictured, Jeremy Hunt MP and Michael Gove MP
