Consultation on Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system

On 30th July 2024, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government launched a consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system. This “overhaul” of the planning system is intended to support the Government’s commitments to achieve economic growth and build 1.5 million new homes. The proposed changes are explained in the draft National Planning Policy Framework. Several of the proposed changes will affect suppliers of social housing.

Housing targets

The consultation proposed to make the standard method for assessing housing needs a mandatory planning target for local authorities. Planning for a lower target will only be permitted where there are “hard constraints”, such as flood risk areas, and where all other options, such as increasing density, sharing need with neighbouring authorities, and assessing the boundaries of green belt land, have been exhausted.

A revised standard method for calculating local housing need was also proposed, requiring local authorities to plan for a number of homes that is proportionate to the size of existing settlements.

Other changes to the National Planning Policy Framework made in December 2023 are also set to be reversed to support housing supply, increasing the number of authorities that fall under the operation of “the presumption” in favour of sustainable development.

Brownfield, Grey Belt and Green Belt land

Changes were also proposed in relation to brownfield, grey belt and green belt land. The proposals set an expectation that applications on brownfield land will be approved, as brownfield development is acceptable in principle and should be prioritised.

The identification and targeted release of low-quality grey belt land was also proposed, as brownfield development alone will not be sufficient to meet housing need. Grey belt land is land within the green belt comprising of previously developed land, and land that makes a limited contribution to the green belt purposes, such as disused car parks and industrial estates. Grey belt land will be brought into the planning system to meet development needs.

Affordable housing

For large residential developments on land released from the green belt, the Government has proposed a target of at least 50% affordable housing, including Social Rent where appropriate. This is part of the Government’s wider commitment to delivering affordable housing, which also includes improving the current system of developer contributions, promoting mixed tenure developments, and supporting majority affordable housing developments. Notably, the Government will not implement the Infrastructure Levy as introduced in the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

The consultation closes on 24th September 2024, and a response from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is expected in the following months.

If you have any queries or would like to discuss the above in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact Jasmine Banarse (jasmine.banarse@forbessolicitors.co.uk). Jasmine is a Trainee Solicitor in the Housing and Regeneration Department.

Sources

Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Housing targets increased to get Britain building again - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Letter from the Housing Minister to stakeholders: Building the homes we need (publishing.service.gov.uk)