For the first time since the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework in March 2012, the Government is proposing changes to national planning policy through an updated NPPF. The publication of the Framework marked a watershed in the English planning system and the amendments mooted by Government are expected to have significant implications. Iceni Projects believes these changes could have far reaching implications for both our clients as well as our own day-to-day work as planning professionals operating at the coal face of the planning system. We are therefore making representations to Government on this matter.

The key changes outlined in the consultation include:

- Broadening the definition of affordable housing, to include other housing opportunities such as starter homes;

- Support the regeneration of Previously Developed Land in the Green Belt, provided it contributes towards the delivery of starter homes;

- In respect of development of brownfield land in the Green Belt, enable suitable, sensitively designed redevelopment provided the harm to openness is not substantial;

- Deliver starter homes through the existing rural exception site policy;

- Expand the exception site policy for starter homes to incorporate other forms of underused brownfield land and to ensure that planning applications can only be rejected if there are overriding design, infrastructure and local environmental considerations that cannot be mitigated;

- Presumption in favour of development of brownfield land;

- Apply a presumption in favour of development of small greenfield sites within existing settlement boundaries and support small sites immediately adjacent to settlement boundaries;

- Making clear that unviable /underused employment land should be released unless there is significant evidence to justify why such land should be retained;

- Strengthen national planning policy to provide a more supportive approach for new settlements;

- Introduction of a Housing Delivery Test, which is a comparison of the number of homes that LPA’s set out to deliver in their Local Plan against the net additions in housing supply;

- Expect LPA’s, in both plan making and decision taking, to require higher density development around commuter hubs where feasible.

Here at Iceni HQ we want to ensure that our clients can engage effectively with policy makers at all levels of Government. To discuss the consultation and the potential opportunities and threats to your business, please do not hesitate to contact myself or your usual Iceni contact. The deadline for representations is 22nd February 2016.