The Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) is expected to publish the final version of its National Planning Policy Framework by April next year. The document will steer local government planning policy for years to come and is expected to see guidance cut from more than 1,000 pages to just 50.
In response to the draft NPPF, the CLG select committee today published its own review of the document, claiming the government must make significant changes to protect communities against urban sprawl. The review provides an insight into what local authorities might expect when the government publishes the final version of the framework. Some of the suggestions in the CLG review include:
• The default answer of 'yes' to development should be removed, to create a balance between economic development and protecting the environment and communities
• The phrase "significant and demonstrably" should be removed from the presumption that all applications should be approved, unless the adverse effects outweigh benefits
• The phrase "brownfield development first" should be reintroduced into the policy, along with "town centre first"
• The definition of sustainable development used in the policy should be more clearly defined
• The framework should make clear the statutory importance of local plans and encourage all councils to develop them in order to steer local development. There should also be a clear transition period to move to the new system
Many of you will have made submissions to the CLG consultation on the changes, but we want to know what your hopes and fears for the new planning policy are. Read the report, and then share your thoughts in the comment thread below or tweet us @GdnLocalGov.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Join the local government network for comment, analysis and best practice direct to you - and the latest vacancies on our dedicated jobs board
