Government announces a review of planning policy

The Government has launched a public consultation on its proposals to create a single national policy framework for planning.

Under the proposals, all existing central policy statements, circulars and guidance documents would be consolidated into a single document – the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Government is concerned that the planning system is very “centralist”, with too many (often contradictory) policy documents, resulting in confusion for local councils, developers and local residents. In light of the Coalition Government’s overarching ‘localist’ agenda, the new Framework is intended to be more user-friendly and will hand power back to local communities.

The new Framework will:

1. Allow local communities (rather than central government) to decide what is right for their area;

2. Make it easier for members of the public to have a meaningful say in planning decisions; and

3. Establish a presumption in favour of sustainable development.

If you would like to send your suggestions on what shape the new Framework should take, you can do so by emailing planningframework@communities.gsi.gov.uk, or writing to Alan Scott, National Planning Policy Framework, Department for Communities and Local Government, Zone 1/H6, Eland House, London, SW1E 5DU

All comments must be received by 28 February 2011.