Tuesday 26 Jul 2011 @ 09:01
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
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New planning framework must not prioritise short term gain over long term sustainability

 

WWF yesterday (25 July) expressed concern at the short term approach taken by the Coalition Government in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
WWF said that the NPPF, which is designed to consolidate existing planning policy statements, circulars and guidance documents into a single framework, is predominantly focused on addressing short term challenges, such as reducing the economic deficit. Whilst no one can argue this is important, action to boost sustainable economic growth must not result in increased threats to Britain’s natural environment and the long term sustainability of local communities.
 
The planning system should ensure integration of key social, economic and environmental priorities and objectives on the ground, say WWF, rather then encouraging planners to approve proposals without delay up until a point of harm. The role of the planning system must continue to be to properly manage land and natural resources now to meet present needs, without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
 
The release of the draft NPPF for public consultation comes at a crucial time as the Localism Bill enters the final stages in Parliament. It will help inform the debate on the Bill, especially when the Government commonly advises that the NPPF will provide all the answers.
 
Emmalene Gottwald, Senior Planning Advisor at WWF-UK, said: "WWF is concerned that, despite the welcome attempt to give local communities more say in planning for their area, there remains a strong push from central government that development which supports economic growth should be given priority.
 
“This approach merely reinforces the boom and bust cycle by encouraging lots of development now to meet immediate demand, with the environmental fallout and social consequences to be dealt with at some unknown time in the future.
 
“The Government’s aspirations for the reformed planning system outlined in the foreword are undermined by a presumption in favour of development that makes it too difficult to prove when a proposal might be unsustainable.”
 
Notes to editors
 
1. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published the National Planning Policy Framework on 25 July 2011: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1951811.pdf
 
For further information, please contact:
George Smeeton, tel: 01483 412 388, mob: 07917 052 948, email: GSmeeton@wwf.org.uk

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