Purpose

To provide the Executive
with an overview of the proposals contained with the Government’s proposed
reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to seek approval
for the submission of the consultation response attached at Appendix A.

 

The Government is clear in
its consultation on the proposed changes to the NPPF, that building a more
streamlined and efficient Planning System is essential to meeting the
Government’s ambitious housing delivery targets and growing the Nation’s
economy. The proposed reforms to the NPPF seek to substantially reduce the time
it takes to adopt Local Plans and determine planning applications.

Substantial changes
addressed within the consultation involve the methods of how to implement
changes to the Development Plan Making system with policies and guidance on the
introduction of Strategic Development Strategies, a new regime for how Local
Plans are written and adopted and the introduction of national development
management policies. The accompanying briefing paper summarises the key
proposed changes and considers their potential impact upon Fareham Borough.

The consultation is being considered by the Planning Strategy Advisory
Panel on the 25 February and any matters raised by the Panel will be provided
to the Executive to consider as part of their decision making.

The
consultation on the proposed changes to the NPPF, closes on 10 March.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive:

 

(a) 
approves
the proposed response to the consultation on proposed changes to the National
Planning Policy Framework set out at Appendix A to the report, incorporating
any changes if necessary; and

 

(b) 
requests
that Officers submit the response to the consultation to the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government by 10 March 2026.