Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 19, 2024

Purpose: To provide the Executive Member with an overview of the proposals contained with the Government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other proposed changes to the planning system.   The Government is clear in its consultation on the proposed changes, that building substantially more homes is a national priority to meet housing need and to help tackle housing affordability. The proposed reforms seek to substantially increase the number of houses built across the country. One of the most substantial changes proposed within the NPPF is how housing need is calculated. The calculation of housing need is proposed to change from the current position of addressing demographic and societal trends, to one which primarily apportions a nationally derived housing target between local authorities. The proposed approach has very limited regard to local factors, nor allows for much flexibility in the minimum number of houses which must be planned for. The Government is also proposing that a five-year housing land supply must be demonstrated on an annual basis, even where local authorities have an up-to-date adopted local plan. Where authorities are unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, they will be subject to the presumption in favour of sustainable development. This will increase the likelihood of planning permission being granted for new houses outside settlement boundaries. The proposed changes to the NPPF, also relate to the delivery of affordable housing, brownfield development, building infrastructure to grow the economy and supporting green energy and the environment. Many of the proposed changes relating to these areas appear acceptable in principle. The Government is also inviting views on increasing the application fees for householder planning applications, increasing other planning application fees, introducing fees for applications where there are currently no charges and asking whether local authorities should be allowed to set some, or all, planning application fees locally. These proposals are supported. The accompanying briefing paper considers the impact of the changes from the perspective of Fareham in its South Hampshire context. This report was considered by the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel on the 18 September and any matters raised by the Panel have been provided to the Executive Member to consider as part of their decision making. The consultation on the proposed changes to the NPPF closes on 24 September.

Content: RESOLVED that the Executive Member for Planning and Development: -   a)    advised that the response at Appendix A and the Minutes of the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel, together with relevant comments received directly from Members, fully reflects the views of the Council;   b)    notes that Officers will submit the proposed response at Appendix A, with the additional amendments, by no later than the 24 September; and   c)    agrees that a letter be sent from the Council to the Deputy Prime Minister setting out the Council’s key observations on the proposed changes to the NPPF.