NPPF ‘unlikely to boost economy’, says report commissioned by key green groups

The coalition government has argued that its national planning policy framework (NPPF) – which includes a presumption in favour of sustainable development – is key to the UK’s economic recovery.  And that planning delays cost the UK £3 billion every year. But research and report (by Vivid Economics) commissioned by CPRE, the National Trust and the RSPB argues that claims of the costs of the planning system have been overstated. The report concludes that while there are costs in some sectors, there is no evidence that planning has large, economy-wide effects on productivity or employment – or that it will have much effect on growth. If the NPPF comes into force in mid-2012, there is unlikely to be any construction as a direct result until mid-2013.



NPPF ‘unlikely to boost economy’, says report

By Susanna Millar

13 February 2012 (Planning)

The government’s controversial planning reforms are unlikely to have any positive effect on growth or employment in the short run, a report has claimed.

The coalition government has argued that its national planning policy framework (NPPF) – which includes a presumption in favour of sustainable development – is key to the UK’s economic recovery. It claims that planning delays cost the UK £3 billion every year.

But research commissioned by countryside lobby group the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and charities the National Trust and the RSPB argues that claims of the costs of the planning system have been overstated.

The report, prepared by economic consultancy Vivid Economics, concludes that while there are costs in some sectors, there is no evidence that planning has large, economy-wide effects on productivity or employment.

The draft NPPF is unlikely therefore to have much effect on growth, it states.

If the NPPF comes into force in mid-2012, there is unlikely to be any construction as a direct result until mid-2013, according to the report.

And if there is a transition period to allow local authorities to get up-to-date local plans in place, there would not be a large boost in the volume of development for at least two years, the report suggests.

It also calls for more research to measure the benefits that good planning delivers.

Ben Cowell, assistant director of external affairs for the National Trust, said: “Planning imposes costs but it also produces significant benefits. Without a strong planning system, our landscape would look very different today.

“Government needs to properly understand both sides of the equation before it reaches conclusions about the impact that planning has on the economy.

“This report is a vital contribution to the debate about how we deliver good development in the future, and prevent bad decisions from being made in the pursuit of short-term gain.”

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A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: “This report misses a fundamental point. Our reforms will put power into the hands of local communities to deliver the sustainable development they need for the future while safeguarding the countryside and other places that matter most to them. The current planning system is over-complex, unresponsive, bureaucratic and slow costing the economy up to £3 billion a year, and no-one disagrees with the need to make it easier to understand.”

Stuart Andrews, head of planning at law firm Eversheds, said: “The pressure on government will inevitably mean that the emerging framework will be diluted and will provide a moratorium to allow councils to get their house in order. The end result is continued uncertainty and confusion.

“The real irony is that it is this very delay, prevarication and uncertainty that limit the prospect that these planning reforms will ever kick-start the economy.”

http://www.planningresource.co.uk/bulletin/planningdaily/article/1116788/nppf-unlikely-boost-economy-says-report/

 


 

Some information on the NPPF:

http://www.out-law.com/en/topics/property/planning/draft-national-planning-policy-framework/

The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has been published as part of the government’s programme of reforms to streamline and clarify the planning system and to make it more accessible to the public. The draft NPPF attempts to summarise some 1300 pages of current planning policy into 58 pages of text. It is very widely viewed as being a stimulus to and pro-development. There is, however, some concern about inappropriate development and that long-term aims are being sacrificed to provide short-term solutions to economic troubles.

Once formalised, the draft NPPF will be the point of reference for national planning policy, providing the framework for the preparation and production of land use plans at a local and neighbourhood level as set out in the Localism Bill.

Core planning principles

The draft NPPF summarises a number of core land-use planning principles that are to be taken into account by all those participating in the planning system. These reinforce the plan-led system which is driven by Local Plans – promoting the delivery of growth for housing, business and other development needs.

Local planning policies should take account of local needs and circumstances particularly environmental quality, environmental policies and policies seeking to protect and enhance environmental and heritage assets.

Presumption in favour of ‘sustainable development’

The draft NPPF prescribes a presumption in favour of sustainable development in circumstances where a development plan is ‘absent, silent, indeterminate or where relevant policies are out of date’.

Relationship with Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs): NSIPs, as prescribed in the Planning Act 2008, are major infrastructure developments in England and Wales and comprise, for example, proposals for new power plants, large renewable energy projects, airports and major road projects. In respect of the relationship with NSIPs, the draft NPPF reiterates the need for local authorities to plan for necessary and nationally significant infrastructure. However, more guidance is required as to how the Local Plan and NSIP regimes will coexist to avoid confusion over the role of the Local Plan process in connection with applications for NSIPs.


 

The NPPF says, in relation to airports:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1951811.pdf

Page 21.

Facilitate economic growth
85. Local authorities should work with neighbouring authorities and transport providers
to develop strategies for the provision of viable infrastructure necessary to support
sustainable economic growth, including large scale facilities such as Rail Freight
Interchanges, roadside facilities for motorists or transport investment necessary to support
strategies for the growth of ports, airports or other major generators of travel demand in
their areas. The primary function of roadside facilities for motorists should be to support
the safety and welfare of the road user.

 

Page 22.

87.  When planning for ports, airports and airfields that are not subject to a separate
national policy statement, planning policies should consider their growth and role
in serving business, leisure, training and emergency service needs. In doing this,
planning policies should take account of this Framework as well as the principles set
out in the relevant national policy statements and the Government Framework for
UK Aviation.


 

The practioners draft says the following (pages 22-23)

http://andrewlainton.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/national-planning-policy-framework-28-ports-airports-inland-waterways/

The practitioner draft contains a short section on Ports and Airports replacing thoses aspects of policy on these not covered by National Policy Statements (now published for Ports and Awaited for Airports).

This would replace paras B4-B12 of PPG13.

The practioners draft says the following (pages 22-23)

Local planning authorities should work with neighbouring authorities to develop strategies for the provision of infrastructure necessary to support sustainable economic growth, including large scale facilities such as Strategic Rail Freight Terminals or transport investment necessary to support strategies for the growth of ports, airports or other major generators of travel demand in their areas….

Local planning authorities should, when planning for ports, airports and airfields that are not subject to a separate National Planning Statement, ensure that the Local Plan considers:
•their growth and role in serving business, leisure, training and emergency service needs;
•the economic, environmental and social impacts on the local and wider economy; and
•policies set out elsewhere in this National Planning Policy Framework and as well as the principles set out in the relevant national planning statements.

http://andrewlainton.wordpress.com/2011/06/26/national-planning-policy-framework-28-ports-airports-inland-waterways/