Agenda item

To note the proposed changes and current consultation concerning the NPPF and consider any response on behalf of the town council, if appropriate.

National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system - GOV.UK

The Deputy Town Clerk gave a verbal update following his attendance at a webinar on the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

He reported that the proposals represented a significant and radical change to the current planning system. Key elements of the reforms included a presumption in favour of approving substantial developments; increased responsibility on planning authorities to produce and maintain local plans; a focus on development around train stations; the redesignation of sites delivering between 10–49 dwellings; a preference for urbanisation of developments,; exemptions for small sites from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements; changes to the role of statutory consultees; and an increased emphasis on community involvement in the planning process.

The Committee considered the relevance of the proposed reforms to Witney and expressed concern that changes to statutory consultee arrangements could result in the Town Council being removed or marginalised within the planning process. Members also raised concerns regarding the potential impact of development on flooding both upstream and downstream, and the lack of clear responsibility placed on developers to provide and fund appropriate mitigation measures.

The Committee discussed the wording of Policy F7 and agreed that it should be strengthened. Members felt that the scope and use of the term “elsewhere” should be explored further and more clearly defined, to ensure that flood risk was properly addressed and not displaced to other locations. A Member further noted that it was important to remember that the planning system should focus on “building communities, not just houses,” with appropriate infrastructure and services considered alongside housing delivery.

Recommended:

1. That, the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework be noted and,
2. That, a response be submitted to expresses concern regarding any reduction in the role of parishes as statutory consultees in the planning process and,
3. That, Policy F7 be reviewed and strengthened, with particular regard to the definition and use of the term “elsewhere” and the responsibility of developers to address flood risk and mitigation and,
4. That, the Town Council favours a planning approach that prioritises the creation of sustainable communities, not solely the delivery of housing.