header-logo header-logo

All good plans…

30 May 2014
Issue: 7608 / Categories: Features , Property
printer mail-detail
web_advertorial_0

Is the NPFF undermining confidence in the planning system, asks Perran Moon

The requirement to streamline planning has been high on the government’s agenda. The Localism Act came into play over two years ago, with the intention of simplifying planning, ensuring that decisions about housing are taken locally. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPFF) sought to increase the supply of new homes and create a framework for local people, together with “accountable councils”, to shape their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans.

 

Risk associated to planning

Two years in and there are concerns that in fact, the NPPF is undermining confidence in the planning system. With “a presumption in favour of sustainable development” acting as a “golden thread” that runs through plan-making and decision-taking at its core, it can be argued that the NPPF has led to councils being forced to approve ad-hoc planning applications. This in turn has led to uncoordinated, reactive infrastructure and inconsistent approval criteria.

The situation means that there is an increasing risk associated with property purchases in England and Wales. For

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
The Court of Protection has ruled in Macpherson v Sunderland City Council that capacity must be presumed unless clearly rebutted. In this week's NLJ, Sam Karim KC and Sophie Hurst of Kings Chambers dissect the judgment and set out practical guidance for advisers faced with issues relating to retrospective capacity and/or assessments without an examination
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
back-to-top-scroll