Gove sets out expectations for planning ahead of system reforms

Housing Secretary Michael Gove has written to local authorities setting out key expectations and intentions prior to reforming the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

In his letter, Mr Gove explains that the Government is supportive of development and regeneration in towns and cities, but before reforms come into force, there is an expectation that:

• development should go ahead on sites that are adopted in a local plan. There must be clear reasons as to why it doesn't go ahead;
• councils should be open to agreeing to any changes to developments where conditions mean that the original plan might not be viable anymore. This is to ensure that the development does happen;
• small areas of brownfield land should be used better so that more homes can be build quickly.

Furthermore, the letter urged local authorities to adopt 'ambitious' local plans before the planning system is reformed. Mr Gove will look to bring in regulations, policies and guidance by autumn 2024 to allow for the creation of new-style local plans where local authorities have to prepare, consult on and adopt a local plan within 30 months. However, until these reforms come in, local authorities have to continue to work on their local plans and to keep them up-to-date, setting a deadline of 30 June 2025 for local plans to be submitted under the current system. Without being up-to-date, the 'presumption in favour of sustainable development' could override planning decisions in local areas, particularly when it comes to housing.

Finally, the letter readdresses announcements made in July that aim to ease pressures on the planning system. This includes a Planning Skills Delivery Fund of £24m to help clear backlogs of planning applications and to help prepare for the implementation of planning reforms. Mr Gove also wants a "super squad" of experts to support the delivery of large-scale developments, with this initiative given £13.5m of funding. In addition, the fees that accompany planning applications will be raised 25% for most applications, and 35% for major applications.