National Planning Policy Framework - courtesy of GOV.UK
The most important planning document for any campaigner is the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). You can access the most recent (2021) version by clicking on the link below.
Planning for the future - courtesy of GOV.UK
Controversial white paper launched in 2020, when Robert Jenrick was in charge at the Ministry. Now Michael Gove heads up the Department for Levelling Up Housing & Communities and we await responses from Government in 2022, probably in the form of a new Planning Bill and a Levelling Up Bill.
English local planning pack - courtesy of the RSPB
Lots of useful information and leaflets about the planning system and how to respond to planning applications.
Guide to community rights, environment and planning laws - courtesy of Friends of the Earth
"Learn about the legal and planning system and find out how you can have your say on decisions about your local area." A complete beginner's guide from Friends of the Earth.
Six tests for planning - courtesy of CPRE & the Better Planning Coalition
CPA is part of a group of more than 20 environmental charities and organisations, jointly called the Better Planning Coalition. The group has devised 6 tests against which the Government will be scored red, amber and green on any proposed planning reforms. Read more about the tests and how they will be scored by clicking on the link below.
CPA Submission: Lords Select Committee for the Built Environment
In September 2021, CPA submitted a response to the House of Lords Built Environment Committee, which launched an inquiry on the demand for new housing in the UK and how barriers to meeting this demand can be overcome.
In summary we proposed that the inquiry should recommend the following actions:
- A review of the national housing target, with Census 2021 data as the trigger;
- That Government policy should deliver for housing need, not just demand, and for renters as well as home buyers, while investment in social housing must be prioritised;
- The need for far greater and more meaningful community participation, not less, across the planning system, so that outcomes are improved for everyone. And that genuine community participation should be a core component of all future planning policy, including mandatory referendums for Local Plans.
You can read our full submission by clicking on the link below.
CPA Submission: Ox-Cam ARC Spatial Framework Consultation
In October 2021, CPA submitted a response to the consultation, “Creating a vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc”.
We said that any future framework produced for the area needs to be evidence-led and community-driven, and must minimise damage to the environment.
If this consultation is to be genuine, with outcomes not already pre-decided, as indications in press coverage in recent years would lead one to believe, it must also consider seriously two further alternatives. One of those being a 'do-nothing' strategy of no spatial framework for the Arc, and the other, a spatial framework that delivers only local housing need and associated infrastructure.
Our full submission is available to read at the link below.
CPA Submission: National Infrastructure Planning Reform Programme Consultation
In December 2021, the CPA submitted a detailed response to the National Infrastructure Planning Reform Programme consultation.
We are concerned that the consultation focuses on speed and that the current system is too reliant on infrastructure projects that are proposed at a stage at which alternatives (that may be better for communities, the planet and the public purse) are not able to be considered.
The passing of the Environment Act provides the ideal opportunity to take a new approach. We must start by defining the problem, and then enable all stakeholders to discuss the full range of solutions. Read the rest of our suggestions by clicking on the link below.
NPPF 2021 Campaign Tool - courtesy of Community Planning Alliance
CPA provided campaign tool, designed to ensure that you ‘tick all the boxes’ when you respond to a Local Plan or planning application.
Planning Appeals Map - courtesy of Town Legal LLP
Immersive and interactive representation of planning appeal decisions made between 1st January 2017 and 12th December 2021 across all Local Planning Authorities and the boundaries of Green Belt land in England.
Planning appeals: procedural guide - courtesy of GOV.UK
Government guide outlining the responsibilities of each party and the roles they have in the planning appeal process.