After six years we have just seen the publication of a new National Planning Policy Framework(NPPF).

Debate and discussion about the revisions to the NPPF have focused on housing delivery, as reflection of the national political agenda. What we have lost is any significant discussion about our employment space requirements. I would argue that in post-Brexit Britain planning for our economic needs has to be a priority too.

Within the new Framework what we got is ‘tweaks’ rather than a much-needed fundamental overhaul of employment land use. Our economy is changing and business needs are evolving, yet in draft Planning Practice Guidance, there is not the comprehensive revision of the approach to assessing employment land needs that is desperately required. Take a look at key trends across various sectors and industries.

Increasingly office occupiers are moving towards more flexible formats - look at the growth of shared workspaces and the use of agile working to maximise the efficient use of more expensive work spaces.

A resurgent manufacturing sector needs well-located modern floorspace in the appropriate locations supported by the required infrastructure to support investment, innovation and growth.

Our retail landscape is being reconfigured with the growth of online retail spending. The sector is delivering jobs growth but in warehouses and distribution rather than on the high street. Yet the current forecast models will fail to deliver the type of sustainable distribution network the sector and economy demands. Current models for assessing development needs risk under estimating demand for new warehouse space, the need to replace older spaces, the changing nature of urban logistics and the push for last mile distribution.

We need to better understand the key market signals and upgrading our forecasting approaches, to ensure we have the right type of spaces in the right places. Places and spaces are critical if ‘employment intensification’ is to be achievable. We should also still be looking to align planning for housing and economic growth to deliver sustainable development.