Sir Bob Kerslake, permanent secretary for the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has confirmed the final draft of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will keep a presumption in favour of sustainable development.
Widely trailed to be published alongside the Chancellor's Budget on 21 March, the proposed overhaul to the planning system - designed to make it simpler to build new homes and support local economic growth - has attracted significant national opposition.
Among leading critics, Sir Simon Jenkins, chairman of heritage group the National Trust has branded the plans ‘a lawyers' charter' and last December the Commons communities and local government select Committee issued a report urging ministers to scrap the default 'yes' to development.
But speaking last night at the British Property Federation (BPF) conference dinner Sir Bob Kerslake said: ‘Economic growth is paramount across every aspect of this government's policies. And in the national planning policy framework, the presumption will help to ensure this happens.'
Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF said her organisation was ‘delighted' that ministers intend to support planning changes to boost development in communities where there is a demonstrable need for employment and housing.
Ms Peace said difficulties over interpretation had arisen in areas lacking a relevant plan or local policy. ‘The best way forward, as we have always argued, is for local authorities to get on and produce local plans that can reflect local needs – not just for development but for amenity, open space, and all the other parameters of sustainable development covered in the NPPF,' Ms Peace continued.
Confirmation of planning changes come amid reports that prime minister, David Cameron challenged ministers over 'blockages' to last year's growth plan at the weekly cabinet meeting. Local government minister, Eric Pickles, was described in the Financial Times as reacting angrily to allegations his department was delaying the implementation of the planning reforms.
