The phrase “when assessed against the NPPF as a whole” means that any decision regarding whether the adverse impacts of a development outweigh its benefits should be made by considering the entire set of policies and principles outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
THIS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT ENSURES THAT DECISIONS ARE NOT BASED ON ISOLATED POLICIES OR CRITERIA BUT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE OVERALL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NPPF, INCLUDING:
1. Sustainable Development: The core principle of the NPPF is to achieve sustainable development, balancing economic, social, and environmental factors.
2. Protecting the Environment: Ensuring that development does not harm the natural, built, and historic environment.
3. Promoting Healthy Communities: Supporting strong, vibrant, and healthy communities with access to a range of local services.
4. Good Design: Encouraging high-quality design in new developments.
5. Supporting Economic Growth: Promoting economic growth and job creation.
6. Transport and Infrastructure: Ensuring that transport and other infrastructure needs are met.
7. Meeting Housing Needs: Providing sufficient housing to meet the needs of present and future generations.
8. Plan-Led System: Emphasising the importance of local plans that reflect the vision and aspirations of local communities.
By assessing a development proposal “against the NPPF as a whole” decision-makers ensure a balanced and holistic approach, considering all relevant policies and their interrelationships rather than focusing narrowly on individual aspects. This helps to achieve well-rounded and sustainable planning outcomes.