Revised National Planning Policy Framework and updated planning practice guidance published
Shortly before recess the Government published the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The Communities Secretary announced the publication of the NPPF in a written statement to Parliament, saying that ‘progress must not be at the expense of quality or design', and referred to the visual tools and design guides and codes that are promoted by the NPPF.
The revised NPPF acknowledges the rapid changes that are affecting the retail sector and, as a consequence, England’s town centres. It recognises that diversification is key to the long-term vitality and viability of town centres, to ‘respond to rapid changes in the retail and leisure industries’. Accordingly, planning policies should clarify ‘the range of uses permitted in such locations, as part of a positive strategy for the future of each centre’.
The draft revised NPPF’s reference to town centres in decline has been removed, possibly because of its unclear wording and most probably in wider recognition of the effects that changed shopping habits are already having on town centres.
Updates to Planning Practice Guidance regarding viability and housing and economic development needs assessments were published on 24 July, with several more updates to follow – notably regarding town centres and heritage assets.
HM Government, Revised National Planning Policy Framework Collection (including PPG updates), 24 July 2018
Lichfields, Revised NPPF: a new beginning at the end of a long and winding road?, 25 July 2018
Parliamentary Hansard, written statement regarding housing, 24 July 2018
Lichfields, Revised National Planning Policy Framework - Insight Focus
| |
|
|
|
Quote of the month
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
We need thriving retail opportunities in the high street, but at the same time we need to recognise that sometimes, particularly in a time of housing need, it is appropriate that we seek opportunities for housing. Some town centres have made successful attempts to revive on the basis of coming together. […] There are many circumstances in which, quite independently of government assistance, which is available in many cases, town centres are thriving, but they are the exception and we need to do more.
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth, during a House of Lords debate on high street retailers, 4 July 2018 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
A new housing minister
Kit Malthouse MP was appointed Housing Minister on 9 July following the Rt Hon Dominic Raab’s promotion. The Housing Minister has responsibility for planning policy and casework oversight. Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry MP, continues to be the minister responsible for High Streets.
Government appoints experts to advise on high street health
The Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth has announced the appointment of an advisory panel that will ‘diagnose issues that currently affect the health of our high streets and advise on the best practical measures to help them thrive now and in the future’.
According to the Government, ‘the panel will focus on what consumers and local communities want from their high streets’.
The call for evidence that is expected later this summer will seek the views of members of the public - and young people in particular.
Panel chair Sir John Timpson is reported to have said:
‘The panel cannot offer an instant, quick fix, solution but we hope to identify practical and common-sense decisions that will help the government provide the support that local communities and businesses need to provide the leisure and shopping facilities people will want 25 years from now.’
HMCLG, Expert panel appointed to advise on the future of the high street
Lords discuss Grimsey Review of high streets
Following the publication on 4 July of ‘retail expert’ Bill Grimsey’s second review of the UK high street – a report that builds on many of the recommendations in Grimsey’s previous report - Lord Bourne (Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government) referred to the review of high street health in the House of Lords.
Lord Bourne was asked by Baroness Pinnock whether he agreed with the Review’s recommendation on the need for ‘[a]n immediate overhaul of the business rates system … needed to salvage the high street’.
He responded by welcoming the review in general terms, and fully acknowledging the changing nature of the high street before turning back to business rates:
‘There is no way, as somebody said to me, that we can stop evolution. These are changes that we have to embrace, but there are many things we can do such as […] ensuring there is a level playing field [...] the basis of business rates is associated with rental values. Therefore, one of the issues is that businesses in a town centre tend to pay higher business rates than those on the outskirts of a town, online shopping or those operating via the internet perhaps with warehouse premises elsewhere. That is the level playing field to which noble Lords refer, which we are committed to in our manifesto and driving forward internationally.’
In a subsequent written answer Lord Bourne said Jake Berry had met Bill Grimsey and members of his team, and that the members of the expert panel advising on High Street health, (see item above), and would consider the Grimsey Review as part of its evidence review.
House of Lords Hansard, High street retailers, 4 July 2018Bill Grimsey’s Vanishing High Street UK, High Streets are changing, Government policy must adaptThe Grimsey Review 2, ‘It’s time to reshape our town centres’Parliament, Urban Areas:Written question - HL9494
| |
|
|
|
The Lichfields perspective
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Looking at high street health and the future of our town centres highlights the need for flexibility and diversity. Proactive local plans need to be in place that are flexible and that can keep up to date with innovation and change. Rigidly applied shopfront policies that restrict changes of use are just one factor that is preventing diversification and the introduction of new uses needed to help to boost the vitality and viability of centres. Policies tend to over-emphasise the importance of Class A1 retail uses in comparison with other town centre uses and instead, they generally need to be updated, based on a better understanding of local circumstances and underlying trends.
Peter Wilks Senior Director |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Disclaimer: This publication has been written in general terms and cannot be relied on to cover specific situations. We recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Lichfields accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication. Lichfields is the trading name of Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Limited. Registered in England, no.2778116
Print this planning news