Clark unveils draft planning framework

The government has published consultation for what it says is a new, simpler framework for the planning system that safeguards the environment while meeting the need for sustainable growth. The new draft is just 52 pages compared with an existing policy framework running to more than a thousand pages.

The draft framework, unveiled by planning minister Greg Clark, provides what the government says are powerful protections for communities to safeguard the natural and historic environment.  It maintains the government’s commitment to protecting the green belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest and delivers on the government’s commitment in the Natural Environment White Paper to allow communities to earmark important local green spaces for special protection.

The draft framework stresses the need for councils to work closely with communities and businesses and actively seek opportunities for sustainable growth to rebuild the economy. The aim is to help deliver the homes, jobs, and infrastructure needed for a growing population while protecting the environment.

A presumption in favour of sustainable development means that proposals should be approved promptly unless they would compromise the key sustainable development principles set out in the draft framework.