You may have heard press reports about the possible impact of the the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which was published by the Department of Communities and Local Government last month. This document seeks to simplify planning guidance to local authorities in England by consolidating the essence of existing policy and guidance and statements produced by central government (the old Planning Policy Guidance and Planning Policy Statements) into one short document. The policies in the NPPF will apply to the preparation of all local and neighbourhood plans, and to development management decisions. The overriding aim of the NPPF is to drive economic growth through sustainable development, and there is a clear statement which reads “Local planning authorities should plan positively for new development, and approve all individual proposals whenever possible.”
We have a number of concerns about this: what little protection is presently afforded to sport and recreation facilities can be overruled by the aim, with no requirement to provide alternative facilities. Overall policies for open space, sport and recreation facilities have been condensed into two short paragraphs. Although access to good quality facilities is recognised for its contribution to the health and well-being of communities there is no requirement to provide an alternative facility of open space or other sport or recreation facility are built upon.
Although not everything in the document is objectionable and there are a number of polices which we can support e.g. coastal path should not be hindered by development and access to the coast should be improved, there are big concerns that these reforms represent a major shake-up of planning law which will place the countryside under increasing threat and leave local communities and planning authorities largely powerless in the face of developer pressure.
As well as responding formally to the consultation, we will be working with our allies (the Sport and Recreation Alliance and Wildlife and Countryside Link, both of which bring together many organisations which share our concerns eg CPRE, CNP and the National Trust) to produce a response to Government. We will let Areas know of any specific actions which we would like you to take in due course.
In the mean-time, if you have any questions or comments on this please raise them with walking.environment@ramblers.org.uk
