Category: Glossary

Material Planning Considerations: Local and National Planning Policies

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

    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

    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.

    Handout

    The term “zone of influence of all development proposals” refers to the geographical area that is affected by a proposed development

    This zone encompasses not only the immediate vicinity of the development site but also the surrounding areas that may experience direct or indirect impacts due to the development. These impacts can include environmental, social, economic, and infrastructural changes.

    Key Components of the Zone of Influence

    1. Environmental Impact:

    • Air Quality: Areas affected by changes in air quality due to increased traffic or industrial activity.
    • Water Resources: Regions impacted by changes in water usage, potential pollution, or alterations in drainage patterns.
    • Wildlife and Habitats: Zones where local flora and fauna might be affected by habitat loss, fragmentation, or changes in the ecosystem.

    2. Social and Economic Impact:

    • Population Density: Areas that might see changes in population density due to new housing developments.
    • Local Economy: Regions that could experience economic growth or decline depending on the nature of the development (e.g., new businesses, employment opportunities).
    • Community Services: Impact on local services such as schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities.

    3. Infrastructural Impact:

    • Transportation Networks: Zones where traffic patterns, road usage, and public transportation might be affected.
    • Utilities: Areas influenced by changes in the demand for utilities like electricity, water, and sewage.

    4. Aesthetic and Cultural Impact:

    • Visual Impact: Changes in the landscape or skyline that affect the visual aesthetics of the area.
    • Cultural Heritage: Regions where historical or cultural sites might be impacted by the development.

    Importance in Planning

    Understanding the zone of influence is crucial in the planning and assessment process for several reasons:

    1. Comprehensive Impact Assessment: It ensures that all potential impacts of the development are identified and assessed, not just those within the immediate vicinity of the site.


    2. Stakeholder Engagement: It helps identify all stakeholders who might be affected by the development, ensuring that their concerns are considered.


    3. Mitigation Measures: It allows for the development of effective mitigation strategies to address any negative impacts within the entire zone of influence.


    4. Sustainable Development: It supports the principles of sustainable development by ensuring that environmental, social, and economic factors are balanced and managed.

    Conclusion

    The “zone of influence of all development proposals” is a comprehensive concept that encompasses all areas affected by a proposed development.

    Properly identifying and assessing this zone is critical to ensuring that the development is sustainable, that all potential impacts are managed, and that the needs and concerns of all affected stakeholders are addressed.

    Tilted Balance

    The “tilted balance” is applied when assessing planning applications, particularly under specific circumstances where local planning policies are not up-to-date or where there is an insufficient supply of deliverable housing sites. This approach ensures that development needs, particularly housing, are met in a timely and sustainable manner.

    Key Situations for Applying Tilted Balance

    Lack of a Five-Year Housing Land Supply

    If the local planning authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, the “tilted balance” comes into play. This shifts the presumption towards granting planning permission to address the shortfall.

    Out-of-Date Policies

    If local planning policies are considered out-of-date, such as when they do not align with current national policies or do not reflect recent development needs, the “tilted balance” favours granting permission unless there are significant adverse impacts.

    Principle

    Under the “tilted balance,” planning permission should be granted unless:

    1. The adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies in the NPPF taken as a whole.

    2. Specific policies in the NPPF indicate that development should be restricted.

    Application in Decision-Making

    1. Assessment of Benefits and Harms: Decision-makers must carefully weigh the benefits of the proposed development (such as addressing housing shortages and economic growth) against any potential harms (such as environmental impact, loss of green space, and infrastructure strain).

    2. Sustainable Development: The core aim is to promote sustainable development. Even if a development has some negative impacts, it may still be approved if the overall benefits, particularly in terms of sustainability, are deemed greater.

    Example Scenario:

    A local authority in a rural area has not updated its Local Development Plan for several years and cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land. A developer proposes a new housing estate on the edge of a village. Despite some concerns about increased traffic and pressure on local services, the development would provide much-needed affordable housing and contribute to the local economy.

    In this case, the “tilted balance” would likely be applied. The planning authority would assess whether the adverse impacts (traffic, service pressure) significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits (housing supply, economic growth). If not, planning permission would likely be granted.

    Conclusion:

    The “tilted balance” is a critical concept in UK planning law, ensuring that housing and other development needs are met efficiently while promoting sustainable development. It helps address situations where local policies may be outdated or where there is a pressing need for development, thus ensuring that the planning system remains flexible and responsive to current needs.

    Settlement Policy Boundaries (SPBs)

    Settlement Policy Boundaries (SPBs) are specific demarcated lines drawn around settlements, such as towns and villages, within a local planning authority’s jurisdiction. These boundaries are defined in local development plans and are used to manage and control development. The primary purpose of SPBs is to guide development to appropriate locations and protect the countryside and other rural areas from urban sprawl.

    Key Features and Purposes of Settlement Policy Boundaries:

    1. Development Control: SPBs help determine where new development, such as housing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure, is permitted. Development is generally encouraged within these boundaries to make efficient use of land and existing services.

    2. Urban-Rural Divide: SPBs clearly delineate the separation between urban areas (where development is appropriate) and rural areas (where development is typically restricted). This helps to protect the character and integrity of the countryside.

    3. Sustainable Development: By directing development within established boundaries, SPBs support sustainable development principles. They promote the use of existing infrastructure, reduce the need for new infrastructure, and help maintain compact and efficient settlements.

    3. Planning Policy: SPBs are an important tool in local planning policy. They are included in local development plans, such as Local Plans or Neighbourhood Plans, and are used by local planning authorities to assess planning applications and make decisions about land use.

    4. Housing and Economic Growth: Within SPBs, local authorities can identify areas suitable for housing, commercial activities, and other development needs. This helps to meet the community’s housing and economic growth objectives in a planned and controlled manner.

    Implementation and Review:

    Defined in Local Plans: SPBs are established through the local planning process and are defined in documents such as the Local Plan or the Neighbourhood Plan.

    Periodic Review: SPBs are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in development patterns, population growth, and planning policies. This ensures that the boundaries remain relevant and effective.

    Public Consultation: Changes to SPBs usually involve public consultation, allowing residents and stakeholders to provide input on proposed changes.

    Benefits:

    Protection of Countryside: SPBs help protect rural areas from inappropriate development, preserving green spaces and the natural environment.

    Focus on Urban Areas: By concentrating development within SPBs, local authorities can focus on revitalizing and improving urban areas, making better use of existing services and infrastructure.

    Clarity and Certainty: SPBs provide clarity and certainty for developers, landowners, and the public about where development is likely to be acceptable and where it is not.

    In summary, Settlement Policy Boundaries are a key planning tool used to manage development, protect rural areas, and promote sustainable growth within settlements. They help to ensure that development occurs in appropriate locations, supporting the overall planning strategy of a local area.

    Proven Five Year Housing Land Supply

    The term “proven Five Year Housing Land Supply” refers to a measure used in urban planning and development to ensure an adequate supply of land for housing construction over a specified period, usually five years.

    In many jurisdictions, local planning authorities are required to demonstrate that they have enough available and deliverable land to meet their housing targets for the next five years. This is often referred to as the “Five Year Housing Land Supply” or “Five Year Land Supply.”

    Having a proven Five Year Housing Land Supply is essential for local planning authorities to demonstrate that they are meeting their housing targets and ensuring a sufficient supply of housing to meet the needs of their communities. It provides certainty to developers, investors, and the public about the availability of land for housing development and helps to guide decision-making in the planning process.

    To Count Towards the Proven Five Year Housing Land Supply
    Meaning of ‘When Assessed Against the NPPF as a Whole’
    Section 106 Agreements

    Housing Targets

    Housing targets are specific goals set by government authorities to ensure an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the population. These targets aim to address issues such as population growth, housing affordability, and urban development. Here’s a detailed explanation of housing targets:

    Purpose of Housing Targets

    1. Addressing Population Growth: As populations grow, there is an increased demand for housing. Housing targets aim to ensure that sufficient new homes are built to accommodate this growth.
    2. Improving Affordability: By increasing the supply of housing, targets help to stabilize or reduce housing prices, making homes more affordable for a wider range of people.
    3. Encouraging Economic Development: Adequate housing supply supports economic growth by attracting businesses and workers to an area.
    4. Ensuring Sustainable Development: Housing targets often incorporate considerations of sustainability, ensuring that new developments are environmentally friendly and well-integrated with existing infrastructure.

    Setting Housing Targets

    Housing targets are typically set based on various factors, including:

    • Population Projections: Estimates of future population growth and demographic changes.
    • Housing Needs Assessments: Studies that identify the number and types of homes required to meet the needs of different population groups.
    • Economic Factors: Consideration of local economic conditions, employment rates, and the availability of land for development.
    • Policy Objectives: National and regional policy goals, such as promoting urban regeneration or rural development.

    Implementation of Housing Targets

    1. Local Planning Authorities: Local authorities, like the East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), are responsible for implementing housing targets through their local plans and development frameworks.
    2. Planning Permissions: Developers must obtain planning permission from local authorities, which ensures that new housing projects align with the set targets and planning policies.
    3. Infrastructure Development: Ensuring that necessary infrastructure, such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, is developed to support new housing.

    Monitoring and Review

    • Regular Monitoring: Local authorities regularly monitor housing delivery to ensure targets are being met.
    • Adjustments: Housing targets may be adjusted based on changing conditions, such as shifts in population trends or economic factors.

    Challenges in Meeting Housing Targets

    1. Land Availability: Finding suitable land for development can be challenging, particularly in densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas.
    2. Community Opposition: New housing developments may face opposition from existing residents concerned about changes to their community.
    3. Economic Factors: Economic downturns can impact the ability of developers to finance and build new homes.
    4. Regulatory Hurdles: Planning and regulatory requirements can sometimes delay the development process.

    In summary, housing targets are a crucial tool used by governments to ensure that there is an adequate supply of housing to meet the needs of the population, promote economic growth, and achieve sustainable development. They involve careful planning, coordination, and monitoring by local authorities and other stakeholders.

    Five Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS)

    Definition: The 5YHLS represents the quantity of land that has been identified as suitable and available for housing development over a five-year period.


    Purpose: The 5YHLS is a planning tool used by local authorities to ensure that there is a sufficient and continuous supply of land available for housing development to meet the identified housing needs of the community.


    Implementation: Local planning authorities are required to maintain a 5YHLS under national planning policy. They achieve this by periodically reviewing and updating their development plans to identify suitable sites for housing development.