National Planning Policy Framework Update (July 2021)

Summary of main changes:

The main focus of the changes to the NPPF centre on design. The terminology used changes from “safe and sustainable” to “safe, beautiful, and sustainable”. This emphasis on design is found throughout the changes to the guidance, with the new policy guidance in paragraph 131 concerning tree lined roads as a necessity for creating beautiful places. There is now an increased onus on the collaborative working of LPAs, developers, applicants, and external consultees to enable sustainable and high-quality development. The NPPF now follows the commitment of the 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development up to 2030. Significant weight is now added to the design of prospective developments and the use of design guides, masterplans, and design codes.

Please see the below link to the full NPPF:

National Planning Policy Framework (publishing.service.gov.uk)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key areas of interest to our clients are:

Ensuring Land is used efficiently while also creating beautiful and sustainable places.

• Paragraph 128 states that in order to “provide maximum clarity about design expectations at an early stage”, all LPAs “should prepare a design guide or code, consistent with the principles set out in the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code, reflecting local character and design”.

• The updated policies are aiming to improve the design of new developments, in response to the findings of the Government’s: Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission. Paragraph 133 of the NPPF, goes on to say that “significant weight” should be given to “development which reflects local design policies and government guidance on design, considering any local design guidance and supplementary planning documents such as design guides and codes”.

• The new Paragraph 133 goes even further to state, that “significant weight” should also be given to “outstanding or innovative design which promote high levels of sustainability or help to raise the standard of design more generally in an area”.

New streets are tree lined and incorporate trees (such as parks and community orchards).

• Newly added Paragraph 131 outlines the requirement for trees to make an important contribution to the character and quality of urban environments. Paragraph 131 states policies and decisions should ensure that new streets are lined, and that opportunities are taken to incorporate trees elsewhere in developments, retaining existing trees wherever possible.

• It is stressed that Applicants and LPAs should work with Highways and Tree Officers to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right places, and solutions are found that are compatible with highways standards and the needs of different users.

Opportunities to improve biodiversity in and around developments especially where this can secure measurable net gains for biodiversity or enhance public access to nature.

• The new Paragraph 180 provides useful guidance on the improvement of biodiversity in and around developments. Special consideration should be given to the integration of biodiversity net gain within the design of the development, where it can successfully secure measurable biodiversity enhancements.

Faster delivery of other public service infrastructure such as further education colleges, hospitals, and criminal justice accommodation.

• A new addition to Paragraph 96 is: “to ensure faster delivery of other public service infrastructure such as further education colleges, hospitals, and criminal justice accommodation, LPAs should also work proactively and positively with promoters, delivery partners and statutory bodies.”

July 2021

JBPL