It's taken me a few days to pick through the latest NPPF consultation. It makes for interesting reading.
I've tried to summarise my thoughts below on some of the key implications, and Bioregional will be putting out a longer blog piece soon. Let me know your thoughts too.
The UK government's proposed revisions to the NPPF for 2024 reflect a complex balancing act between addressing housing needs, promoting economic growth, and preserving the environment, particularly through. what will likely be controvsial changes to Green Belt policies. However, as housing targets increase and pressure on Local Planning Authorities to release land intensifies, one thing is clear: the need for net-zero homes is more crucial than ever.
The consultation’s push for higher housing targets and the restoration of the five-year housing land supply requirement signals the government’s clear commitment to boosting housing delivery (in line with their manifesto to build 1.5 million homes). But without a clear mandate for net-zero standards, these efforts could come at a significant environmental cost. The introduction of the "Grey Belt" concept and changes to Green Belt policies, which make it easier to develop on previously protected land, further heighten the urgency to ensure all new homes are built to net-zero specifications.
As LPAs are pressured to meet these increased targets, particularly in areas like the Home Counties and urban fringes, it's imperative that sustainable development is non-negotiable, both in terms of standard of the housing, but also the spatial implications of this growth (no more dormantary and car dependent developments). Every new home built must contribute to our legally mandated net-zero goals, aligning with the broader need for climate resilience.
In this critical moment, we must advocate for stronger, clearer policies within the NPPF that make net-zero homes the standard across the UK.
Meeting housing demands should not come at the expense of our natural ecosystems. Instead, let’s ensure that every new home is a step towards a sustainable, resilient future.
#NetZero #SustainableDevelopment #NPPF #ClimateAction #GreenBelt
Marina Goodyear Alex McCann Sue Riddlestone OBE Good Homes Alliance Amy Powell Paul Slater