Agenda item
Motion A - Response to the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework Proposed by Councillor Andy Goodwin, Seconded by Councillor Early
West Oxfordshire District Council has responded to a Government consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), backing some elements of the reforms but urging Ministers to rethink proposals that could weaken local planning powers.
The consultation proposes a number of fundamental changes to the current NPPF. West Oxfordshire District Council supports the changes in the new draft framework, that create a clearer structure and bring together guidance that currently sits in several different places. This should simplify the process for Councils to prepare local plans, reducing costs and speeding up the process.
However, the response also highlights several significant concerns:
· Nature recovery and climate resilience are treated as secondary considerations rather than fundamental planning principles.
· The proposal to move more policy detail from local plans into nationally set planning rules. This is a step too far and local plans must continue to play a strong role in shaping development at the local level, reflecting the unique needs and circumstances of individual areas.
· Reduced evidential requirements could hamper the ability of local planning authorities to robustly scrutinise applications and make well-informed, legally sound decisions. Ensuring proportionate but adequate supporting information is critical to maintaining confidence in the planning process.
· The lack of transitional arrangements for the decision-making policies, which are proposed to take effect immediately upon publication of the final Framework. This approach risks rendering certain adopted local plan policies - including relatively recently adopted policies - out of date or subject to significantly reduced weight in decision-making. Such an outcome would undermine plan-led decision-making and create uncertainty for local authorities, applicants and communities.
· The serious implication this has for policies such as the recently adopted net-zero carbon requirements set out in the Salt Cross Garden Village Area Action Plan (Written Ministerial Statement Planning – Local Energy Efficiency Standards Update (13 December 2023)), because locally set energy standards would not be allowed for in the new draft national planning rules.
· The proposals for an overly permissive approach towards new development within and outside towns and villages and in locations near well-served railway stations, without reflecting the special conditions arising in a National Landscape.
· The unsustainable further upward pressure on housing targets that will already be extremely challenging to deliver, as well as reduced local control over major energy and digital infrastructure projects.
· The proposal that ‘medium-scale’ developments of up to 50 homes could avoid on-site affordable housing requirements and other established planning requirements.
The Council resolves:
1. To request the Leader of the Council to write the Rt Hon Matthew Pennycook, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning), and our West Oxfordshire Members of Parliament to highlight the concerns raised above.
Minutes:
Councillor Goodwin proposed the motion, and Councillor Genny Early had seconded this.
The motion was as follows;
“West Oxfordshire District Council has responded to a Government consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), backing some elements of the reforms but urging Ministers to rethink proposals that could weaken local planning powers.
The consultation proposes a number of fundamental changes to the current NPPF. West Oxfordshire District Council supports the changes in the new draft framework, that create a clearer structure and bring together guidance that currently sits in several different places. This should simplify the process for Councils to prepare local plans, reducing costs and speeding up the process.
However, the response also highlights several significant concerns:
· Nature recovery and climate resilience are treated as secondary considerations rather than fundamental planning principles.
· The proposal to move more policy detail from local plans into nationally set planning rules. This is a step too far and local plans must continue to play a strong role in shaping development at the local level, reflecting the unique needs and circumstances of individual areas.
· Reduced evidential requirements could hamper the ability of local planning authorities to robustly scrutinise applications and make well-informed, legally sound decisions. Ensuring proportionate but adequate supporting information is critical to maintaining confidence in the planning process.
· The lack of transitional arrangements for the decision-making policies, which are proposed to take effect immediately upon publication of the final Framework. This approach risks rendering certain adopted local plan policies - including relatively recently adopted policies - out of date or subject to significantly reduced weight in decision-making. Such an outcome would undermine plan-led decision-making and create uncertainty for local authorities, applicants and communities.
· The serious implication this has for policies such as the recently adopted net-zero carbon requirements set out in the Salt Cross Garden Village Area Action Plan (Written Ministerial Statement Planning – Local Energy Efficiency Standards Update (13 December 2023)), because locally set energy standards would not be allowed for in the new draft national planning rules.
· The proposals for an overly permissive approach towards new development within and outside towns and villages and in locations near well-served railway stations, without reflecting the special conditions arising in a National Landscape.
· The unsustainable further upward pressure on housing targets that will already be extremely challenging to deliver, as well as reduced local control over major energy and digital infrastructure projects.
· The proposal that ‘medium scale’ developments of up to 50 homes could avoid on-site affordable housing requirements and other established planning requirements.
The Council resolves:
1. To request the Leader of the Council to write the Rt Hon Matthew Pennycook, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning), and our West Oxfordshire Members of Parliament to highlight the concerns raised above.”
Councillor Andrew Beaney proposed an amendment to the motion, which was to add “such as permission in principle” to the sixth bullet point so that it read “The proposals for an overly permissive approach towards new development, such as permission in principle”. The amendment was seconded by Councillor Alex Wilson and accepted by the proposer and seconder.
The motion was debated as amended, with members raising the following points;
- The draft NPPF undermined localism.
- National changes would reduce the powers of local planning authorities and conflict with locally developed plans; particular reference was made to the Council’s emerging local plan.
- Members highlighted local initiatives such as zero?carbon energy schemes, arguing that councils should retain the ability to set higher environmental and energy standards than those proposed nationally.
- Concerns were raised that the framework prioritised making it easier for developers to build houses over creating sustainable, liveable communities.
- Members highlighted local initiatives such as zero?carbon energy schemes, arguing that councils should retain the ability to set higher environmental and energy standards than those proposed nationally.
- Particular concern was expressed about the impact on net?zero ambitions embedded in recently adopted local plans and area action plans, despite welcome national moves on solar panels and heat pumps.
- The proposed “blanket approach” was criticised as overly permissive, risking harm to local character, the natural environment and community wellbeing.
Cllr Genny Early as the seconder, having reserved her right to speak, highlighted concerns about the increased centralisation of power under the proposed NPPF changes, warning that this undermines local decision?making and the value councils bring to their communities. Cllr Early highlighted the risk that locally developed initiatives and significant work on the local plan, including Cap Zero and area action plans, could be overridden or lost.
Cllr Goodwin summed up the debate and supported the need for planning reform but argued that proposed NPPF changes risked over?centralisation, weakening local decision?making, climate ambition and nature recovery, and undermining locally tailored planning policies. Concerns were raised about overly permissive development, reduced evidential requirements, lack of transitional arrangements, restrictions on higher local energy standards, and the risk that medium?scale developments could erode affordable housing provision and mixed communities.
The motion was voted on as follows;
For – 34, Abstentions - 7, Against 0
The Council resolved:
To request the Leader of the Council to write the Rt Hon Matthew Pennycook, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, and our West Oxfordshire Members of Parliament to highlight the concerns raised above.