Local and National Planning Policies are critical frameworks that guide the development and use of land in a manner that promotes sustainable growth, protects the environment, and meets the needs of communities. These policies are established at different levels of government and provide specific guidelines and regulations that must be adhered to when considering planning applications.
Local Planning Policies are developed by local planning authorities, such as district councils or unitary authorities. These policies are tailored to address the specific needs, priorities, and characteristics of the local area. They are typically found in documents such as the Local Plan, which sets out a long-term vision and framework for future development in the area.
Key Components:
1. Local Plan:
- A comprehensive document that outlines the vision, objectives, and policies for land use and development in the local area over a specified period (usually 15-20 years).
- It includes allocations for housing, commercial development, infrastructure, green spaces, and other land uses.
2, Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs):
- Provide additional guidance on specific issues or sites covered by the Local Plan, such as design standards, conservation areas, or affordable housing.
3. Neighbourhood Plans:
- Created by local communities, these plans allow residents to influence development in their area, complementing the Local Plan.
4. Core Strategy:
- Part of the Local Plan, the Core Strategy sets out the key policies for delivering sustainable development in the local area.
5. Area Action Plans:
- Detailed plans focusing on areas undergoing significant change or development, such as town centres or regeneration areas.
National Planning Policies are established by the central government and apply across the entire country. These policies provide a consistent framework for planning authorities to follow, ensuring that local planning decisions contribute to national goals for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental protection.
Key Components:
1. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF):
- A key document that sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied.
- It provides a framework within which local plans are produced and includes policies on issues such as housing, economic development, transport, and environmental protection.
2. Planning Practice Guidance (PPG):
- A web-based resource that provides additional detailed guidance on various aspects of planning policy, including how to apply the NPPF.
3. National Policy Statements (NPS):
- Documents that provide policies for nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as energy, transport, and water resources.
How They Influence Planning Decisions
When a planning application is submitted, the local planning authority must consider how the proposal aligns with both local and national planning policies. This involves:
1. Compliance Check:
- Assessing whether the proposed development complies with the policies and objectives set out in the Local Plan and any relevant SPDs or Neighbourhood Plans.
- Ensuring that the proposal aligns with the principles and requirements of the NPPF and PPG.
2. Policy Weighting:
- Balancing different policy considerations, especially if there are conflicts between local and national policies or among different local policies.
3. Material Considerations:
- Taking into account all relevant policies as part of the broader assessment of material planning considerations, which also include site-specific factors, public opinion, and the impact on the local community and environment.
Importance in Planning Applications
1. Sustainable Development:
Ensures that new developments contribute positively to the sustainability of communities, balancing social, economic, and environmental objectives.
2. Consistency and Predictability:
Provides a clear framework for developers and the public, helping to create predictable and consistent decision-making processes.
3. Local and National Interests:
Balances the specific needs and characteristics of local areas with broader national priorities and objectives.
4. Legal Requirement:
Compliance with these policies is a legal requirement, and failure to adhere can result in planning applications being refused or challenged.
By understanding and adhering to both local and national planning policies, planning authorities can make informed decisions that promote sustainable development and meet the needs of their communities.