This week I submitted my response to the Government consultation on its revised national planning policy framework.
It is incredibly concerning that the draft NPPF risks creating a developer's charter that could cause irreparable damage. The proposals have clearly been prepared as a means to enable huge levels of development in order to meet Government manifesto promises, but fail to recognise that alongside houses people need infrastructure, amenities, functioning and cohesive communities and a healthy local natural environment.
In my response I have urged Ministers and planning policy officials to ensure effective proposals for provision of infrastructure, community engagement, environmental protection (including our flood plains), and planning enforcement are in place before the plans outlined in this draft policy are brought into force. Please see a my full consultation response below.