Issue - meetings
Government Consultation on Draft National Planning Policy Framework – Shropshire Council Response
Meeting: 11/09/2024 - Cabinet (Item 202)
Lead Member – Councillor Chris Schofield, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regulatory Services
Lead Officer – Eddie West
Additional documents:
Decision:
RESOLVED:
That:
1. Cabinet considered and approved submission of the response to the Government’s consultation on reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated reforms to the planning system, as set out in Appendix 1 to this report.
2. Authority be given to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services to agree any additional changes to the Council’s response to the consultation ahead of its submission to the Government before 24 September 2024.
Minutes:
In the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services, the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital introduced the report which regarding the government's consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated changes to the planning system. The report set out Shropshire Council's proposed response, seeking approval to submit it.
Members noted that the proposed reforms suggest a new standard methodology for calculating housing needs, significantly increasing Shropshire's housing requirement from just over 1000 to over 2000 dwellings per year. Concerns were raised about the capacity to deliver this increase sustainably without undue pressure on infrastructure and the environment.
Concerns were also highlighted about the proposed new Grey Belt designation within Greenbelt areas and the potential impact on planning services, including increased speculative applications and appeals. Members noted that the response stresses the importance of aligning national reforms with local priorities to mitigate these impacts.
The Portfolio Holder advised that the local plan would continue to be developed and adopted, but the proposed reforms may require revisions to housing targets. The response advocated for a planning system that supports sustainable growth while addressing local needs and priorities.
RESOLVED:
That:
1. Cabinet considered and approved submission of the response to the Government’s consultation on reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and associated reforms to the planning system, as set out in Appendix 1 to this report.
2. Authority be given to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulatory Services to agree any additional changes to the Council’s response to the consultation ahead of its submission to the Government before 24 September 2024.