Changes to planning rules ‘double down’ on unrealistic housing targets

Charity says proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are highly centralising and fail to sufficiently prioritise essential infrastructure.

Countryside campaigners have officially responded to the Government’s plans to radically change existing planning rules.

CPRE Sussex said there were ‘some details to be welcomed’ in the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). However, it raised serious concerns about the plan overall. In summary the charity believes the plans:

– Are highly centralising, further reducing the scope of local communities and their elected representatives to shape the places where they live, work and play.

– Double down on unrealistic and undeliverable housing targets, opening the door to yet more speculative and unplanned development.

– Fail to sufficiently prioritise essential infrastructure, or sustainable travel.

– Undermine the idea that we should develop in ways that protect the ability of future generations to live well.

– Place the countryside under significant threat, potentially harming wildlife, habitats, food security and other critical land uses.

The consultation on changes to the NPPF closes on March 10.

The charity is asking members of the public to write to their MP, calling for them to raise concerns around the new NPPF draft. Sussex residents can contact their MP using this link.

View the proposals and consultation documents here.

Download full press release.