Key Bodies Issue Responses To Proposed National Planning Policy Framework Reforms

[Liz Seyi]

A development of significance to many transport consultants and their clients in the aftermath of the general election result, was the new Labour Government’s launch of a consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), as well as other parts of the planning system.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) initiated the consultation on Tuesday 30th July 2024, with this process coming to a close on Tuesday 24th September.
The department stated at the time that the consultation sought “views on our proposed approach to revising the National Planning Policy Framework in order to achieve sustainable growth in our planning system.”
The Government went on to add that it was “also seeking views on a series of wider policy proposals in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.”
CIHT urges the Government to place a greater emphasis on sustainable transport
Among the respondents to the consultation was the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT). In a news release, the charity referenced its manifesto, A transport network fit for all our futures, declaring there was “a need to integrate land use and transport planning.”
The learned society stated that in its submission to the consultation, it had “called for planning rules to encourage place-based solutions that create attractive built environments and reduce the need to travel.”
The organisation further commented: “While we feel there are positive steps being taken in these proposed reforms, we are concerned that a stronger focus on sustainable transport is needed to ensure development meets the needs of people, not cars.”
TPS welcomes the Government’s focus on health, but has thoughts on the “vision-led approach”
Another body to have weighed in on the NPPF and other planning changes set out by ministers, is the Transport Planning Society (TPS), which represents the transport planning profession.
The organisation referenced the announcement by Angela Rayner – the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – that the proposed changes were partly motivated by a wish to promote healthy communities, including taking steps to tackle childhood obesity.
TPS said that although it did “welcome the emphasis on health… there was a missed opportunity to reinforce the inter-relationship with transport planning, particularly the need for a renewed emphasis on active travel.”
Furthermore, in its summary of recommendations, the Society pointed out that shifting to a “vision-led approach” brought “important ramifications across the transport sector… a response on these implications needs to be provided should these changes be adopted, to provide clarity to a wide range of scheme promoters and avoid expensive legal challenges.”
Another recommendation that the body put forward was for the Government to “publish an unambiguous definition of ‘vision-led’ transport planning and its clearly stated objectives.”
Contact TPA for informed and targeted assistance with your infrastructure and development projects
It is apparent from the industry stakeholders’ respective responses to the consultation, that while there is reason to be heartened by the proposed changes to the NPPF and other aspects of the planning system, there are still some elements of concern.
As always here at Transport Planning Associates (TPA), our transport consultants will pay close attention to how the Government’s plans evolve and are implemented.
In the meantime, for the highest standard of relevant guidance and assistance, please enquire to your closest TPA office, which will be well-placed to provide suitable transport planning and infrastructure advice.