David Churchill leaves the summary of the NPPF to others, and focuses on the proactive measures that developers should take to exact the most from the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

“Whilst many practitioners are seeking further clarity regarding the content of the NPPF, the message from CLG is clear – the NPPF is intended to be interpreted on face value. They intend to offer no further definition to aid interpretation, nor can we expect confirmation of what is bigger – great, substantial or significant. Nor do they anticipate a future where the Courts gradually define the meaning of the NPPF.

What is of paramount importance is that the two principal messages within the NPPF – ‘the Local Plan is king’ and ‘sustainable development as the golden thread’. When combined with the various other messages contained within the NPPF – including the core planning principles, the requirement to respond positively to opportunities for growth, the requirement to meet objectively assessed needs, the duty to cooperate, the ‘significantly and demonstrably’ tests, etc. – they provide a very strong impetus to promote sites through the Local Plan system.

Indeed, to NPPF has provided us with an unprecedented window of opportunity to do just that.

Need assessments are not the sole domain of local planning authorities – they’re owned by all participants in the development process. And ensuring they are truly objective is crucial in view of the stature of the Local Plan.

We are currently modelling objective need assessments for strategic housing and employment growth proposals for the a range of strategic residential, employment and mixed use land portfolios that we manage.

We would be happy to explore how our findings could assist you.”