UK100 welcomes the latest National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) update, particularly the strengthened approach to renewable and low-carbon energy development, climate considerations in decision-making, and commitment to carbon accounting in planning.

These reforms represent significant progress in speeding up net zero developments but must be matched with meaningful benefits for local communities hosting vital infrastructure. 

Diminishing councillors' role in planning decisions could erode trust between communities and government, with councils needing to get updated Local Plans in place to prevent developments being greenlit against old place-making strategies.

Furthermore, the new NPPF relies on yet-to-be-announced stronger standards in new housing development. To align the house-building ambition with the clean energy mission the Future Homes Standard must be truly zero carbon. UK100 is disappointed the government has kept the rule in place that prevents local authorities from mandating higher efficiency standards. Our member councils hope to see stronger national standards set out by the government in the coming months.

Christopher Hammond, Chief Executive of UK100, says:

"Planning wasn’t working. For builders, for councils or for our broader social challenges. The revised National Planning Policy Framework makes some welcome progress in supporting local climate action, particularly through strengthened policies on renewable energy deployment and sustainable transport. 

"We're pleased to see climate change explicitly recognised as an important consideration in both plan-making and decision-making, something our network has been calling for. This alongside commitments to review building regulations to ensure new buildings are fit for a net zero future.

"However, the government's proposal to sideline local planning committees from an increasing number of decisions risks undermining local democracy at precisely the moment we need to build trust with communities. 

"With less local control, Councils must rush to update their local plans - so that planning decisions are taken alongside their current thinking for developments in their areas.

"Rather than falling into simplistic 'NIMBY versus YIMBY' narratives that risk turning housing delivery into a culture war, we need a local-national collaborative approach that recognises housing numbers, climate action and economic growth are interconnected and as critical challenges for the country.

"The government should complete the puzzle of good planning reform by building on the positive elements of the NPPF by providing long-term strategic funding for local authorities, bringing forward an ambitious Future Homes Standard, introducing powers to compel developers to build after receiving planning permission, get underway with EPC reforms, and ensuring planning reforms truly empower local authorities to align their Local Plans and climate ambitions."

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

UK100''s response to the NNPF consultation can be found here.

The revised NPPF shows some notable progress, particularly in areas we've long advocated for. The strengthened decision-making framework and the commitment to carbon accounting in planning are significant wins that align with our consultation response.

The changes to the Planning Inspectorate's role as a potential barrier suggest our arguments on this front have gained traction with the new government. This should lead to our member’s more climate ambitious local plans being accepted by the Inspectorate.

However, there are some areas that warrant closer examination:

• Climate change appears to remain one priority among many, rather than being elevated to a core strategic purpose of the planning system
• Half the local plans are over 5 years old, with only 165 of 326 Local Planning Authorities having plans updated since December 2019, potentially leading to developments being assessed old plans.
• The practical implementation of the Future Homes Standard and carbon accounting measures will need careful scrutiny