Dear << Test First Name >>
Welcome to our September issue of Planning Ahead.
Parliamentary activity was quieter during August due to the summer recess, with little to no movement on planning-related legislation. However, the government remained active, publishing the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), fast-tracking housing near well-connected transport hubs and introducing changes to Biodiversity Net Gain and high street planning controls.
The new NPPF is the main focus of this month’s newsletter. With greater emphasis on national policy and a stronger “default yes” approach, councillors may have less scope to resist development, making early engagement increasingly important. We look at why this should encourage councillors and developers to work together earlier, and why consultation must show that local feedback has genuinely influenced proposals rather than becoming another tick-box exercise.
Also included this month is an introduction to our new colleague, Cllr Chris Hossack (Reform), cabinet member at Essex County Council, who brings extensive experience as both a councillor and planning decision-maker. We also provide our latest South Thames, North Thames and Midlands updates, covering the main political developments and planning committee decisions across each region.
