Responding to the publication of the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system, Fiona Howie, the chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association said:
‘With both the draft National Planning Policy Framework and a consultation document published today there is a substantial amount of detail to digest. We acknowledge that the government has identified better addressing climate change as one of the twelve key policy changes and we look forward to considering in detail how the proposed changes really achieve that important aim.
However, we are also concerned that the draft NPPF appears to no longer articulate the importance of planning and place-making in enabling and supporting healthy lives and tackling health inequalities through both promoting good health and preventing ill-health. This is despite repeated reassurances when amendments in relation to health and wellbeing were being discussed during the passage of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill through Parliament.
We understand the government’s desire to secure economic growth and more homes being built, but we are also clear that supporting and enabling the population to be mentally and physically healthy is critically important for productivity. We are also disappointed that the previous reference to the Garden City Principles has been removed.
We know in his statement to the House of Commons, the Minister urged people to respond to this important and substantial consultation. We also agree with the recognition in the consultation document of the need for a period of stability once the NPPF is finalised. And that is why we very much hope the government will work with stakeholders, including the TCPA, to make sure that this version of the NPPF will deliver high quality, sustainable development that will support people, the economy and the environment to thrive.‘
