The first draft of the National Planning Policy Framework will "decouple the idea that economic growth always causes environmental degradation" and set a tough, pro development agenda, according to documents obtained by Property Week.
The draft, produced by the NPPF advisory group and due to be revealed by Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles next week, represents a change in tone and an overall simplification of the national planning system in favour of locall driven development.
Under the new regime, the issue of viability will be given greater significance and local authorities will develop a single, local plan, rather than local development frameworks as part of a bid to simplify the process.
The plan will also reduce the powers of the secretary of state to "call-in" schemes of national importance, placing the responsibility entirely in the hands of local authorities.
In a letter to Greg Clark, published this morning, the advisory group said: "We believe that there need be no inconsistency between the promotion of the increased levels of development which the country needs and the protection of the environment."
"Indeed we hope that this is a clear and strong there in our draft - based on the idea that economic growth can be decoupled from environmental degradation."
"Property planned, increased levels of development can enable to achievement of multiple "wins" - enhanced economic growth. Better access to housing and the means to achieve positive environmental enhancement."
The draft will argue that town centre planning must be more proactive as retail requierments are currently constrained to town centres.
For further information, please contact John Fosbraey.
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