Purpose

This
report relates to a public consultation by the Government on its
proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
and other changes to the planning system.

Decision

RESOLVED –
 
1.     
That the Government’s consultation on the
proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
and other changes to the planning system be noted; and
 
2.     
That the draft responses at Appendix A of the report
be approved and submitted on or before 10 March 2026, as Tunbridge
Wells Borough Council’s representations, with the Head of
Planning given delegated authority to make corrections to grammar,
formatting and typographical errors, and other non-material changes
that do not affect the substance or intent of the response be
approved. 

Reasons for the decision

To
agree to submit the representations at Appendix A is favourable as
it is considered to help shape national policy that will inform
future plan-making and decision making.

Alternative options considered

Do
nothing and not make representations would miss an opportunity to
provide on important planning proposals.
 
To
submit alternative representations would require further discussion
to inform the response which would likely mean the consultation
deadline is not met and the response is not submitted in
time.