New planning guidance should help rural communities remain viable
The CLA yesterday (10 March) said the release of the new National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) should support the sustainability of rural communities.
The CLA yesterday (10 March) said the release of the new National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) should support the sustainability of rural communities.
The organisation said the NPPG will allow more housing to be built in rural areas resulting in the viable use of local facilities such as schools, shops, and pubs.
CLA President Henry Robinson said: “We particularly welcome guidance recommendations that local authorities should avoid blanket policies restricting development in certain types of settlements.
“We are also pleased the vital need for housing in rural areas for older people has been recognised as it can be hugely difficult for households wishing to downsize to find smaller, more manageable homes they require.
“The NPPG deals with this by advising planners to consider the size, location and quality of houses needed for older people in the future.”
Mr Robinson said: “In addition, the guidance orders assessments to be made of likely changes in job numbers based on economic forecasts.
“With rural employment expected to rise, these assessments make sure that the increasing housing need is met.
“However, the issuing of unviable Community Infrastructure Levies (CIL) on new rural developments could undermine the good intentions of the NPPG.
“Local authorities will need to plan sensibly so the current pattern of villages being preserved in aspic does not continue.”
The CLA said in some circumstances, the NPPG does not provide a substantive or adequate replacement for some of the now cancelled guidance.
Mr Robinson said: “In principle, simplifying the planning system and removing out of date material is a good idea but replacing guidance with less than useful information will lead to delays and yet more complexity on the ground.
“Not only will be there be confusion among the public, the lack of adequate information will leave advisers and decision-makers similarly perplexed.”
