National Planning Policy Framework

The DCLG has published its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Announced in Parliament by planning minister Greg Clark, the framework reduces 'over 1,300 pages of guidance in 44 documents' to 65 pages in one document (excluding technical guidance and traveller site planning policy).

Whilst there are plenty of mentions of 'Affordable Housing' and a tight definition of what is and isn't affordable, there are only a few concessions to help social landlords reduce waiting lists.

The main thrust of the framework outlines how local planning authorities should produce an up-to-date local plan and use it to grant permission for sustainable development.

For affordable housing this means:

• councils will identify
• how many affordable properties to build
• where they should go
• what tenure they should be
• who will live in affordable dwellings
• permitted affordable green belt developments to meet community needs
• site viability should outweigh 'obligations and burdens' such as affordable housing

The traveller site planning policy guidance stresses the need for councils to identify and plan for enough sites to meet the accommodation needs of travellers in or coming through their area.

The National Housing Federation has responded positively to the framework,  Chief Executive David Orr said:

"The NPPF also rightly puts the emphasis on creating mixed and balanced communities, crucially underpinned by a presumption in favour of sustainable development."

UK parliament has published a short briefing (aimed at MPs) that summarises the key points of the framework and provides useful background information.