Government plans

The government’s preferred headline on the National Planning Policy Framework, just published for consultation, is that it has reduced 1000 pages to 52. But I have yet to see anyone flicking through it over coffee, writes Eleanor Young.

In fact those who are getting really exercised about it are the National Trust and the RTPI who feel the ‘presumption in favour of development’ goes too far. In a statement trust director-general, Fiona Reynolds said: ‘The government’s proposals allow financial considerations to dominate and that comes at a huge risk to our countryside, historic environment and the precious local places that people value.’

Architect, planning consultant and one-time RIBA Journal columnist Peter Stewart admits they have a point. He points to planning minister Greg Clark’s unequivocal phrase ‘Development means growth.’ Yes it is about government’s growth agenda with the emphasis on development rather than sustainability, but Stewart sees the proposals as just a tweak of the dial towards making planning a little easier to get and as such has been welcomed by developers. There may be a marginal effect on greenbelt sites he think but on the complex city sites like he works on getting planning will continue to be a titanic battle.

But at least good design is firmly on the agenda – with two whole pages devoted to it as ‘indivisible’ from good planning. RIBA president Ruth Reed welcomed the emphasis. ‘We are particularly pleased at the recognition… of the role of design review,’ she said. 

The consultation is open until October 17th on the Department for Communities and Local Government website. And for those who think that it is not national policy that is the problem but the layers of policy below it: watch this space.