The Government has announced significant reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) aimed at accelerating housing delivery and supporting economic growth. Key measures include a new ‘default yes’ in favour of housing development within walking distance of well-connected rail, tram and underground stations, minimum expectations for housing delivery in these locations, and changes intended to help bring forward well-located developments more quickly. This is intended to unlock thousands of new homes, make better use of underdeveloped land around transport hubs, and help people live closer to jobs, schools and everyday services.
For PLACE LOGIC, these proposals are particularly significant because they place greater emphasis on location, connectivity and access to public transport. As specialists in spatial network analysis, walkability and placemaking, we believe that where new homes are built is just as important as how many are delivered.
Commenting on the proposed changes, Robbie Kerr, Director of PLACE LOGIC, said:
“The planning presumption for development within 800m walking distance of well-connected train, tube and tram links has been well trailed and makes a great deal of sense on all fronts. In addition, there are a number of other policy changes that could make a difference.
“Moving to a presumption in favour of ‘suitably located development’ is welcome as this shifts the focus towards simplifying building approvals within existing settlement boundaries and targeting urban and suburban densification. But careful extensions to smaller settlements can be sustainable too, particularly where there are existing transport links, shops, possibly a school, and PLACE LOGIC’s tools can demonstrate how careful, considered new development can support and enhance such locations The creation of a new ‘medium site’ category covering 10 to 49 homes to streamline approvals is also welcome and hopefully will bring smaller, local SME housebuilders back into the frame.
“And a volume housebuilding scheme for 1,500 units upwards – also needed as a part of the solution to the housing crisis – will create a distinct category with tailored policies to support large scale regeneration projects and masterplanned developments. We need to be sure however that we are not building new homes simply to hit targets and run the risk of creating soulless dormitory development. We must use these changes to the NPPF to enable the creation of viable, attractive, well designed, well serviced communities where people want to live.”
