Reforms to national planning policy

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 2 Feb 2023 Closed: 18 Mar 2024 Parliament page
The Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee will be examining the Government’s current consultation on reforms to national planning policy, looking at the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Government’s wider approach to planning reform. The Committee is expected to examine the Government’s proposed changes … Read more
17 Recommendations
8 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
8 Letters
2 Events
Activity timeline 14 events
29 Nov
2023
Report published
12 Sep
2023
Correspondence
18 Jul
2023
Correspondence
14 Jul
2023
Report published
27 Jun
2023
Correspondence
13 Jun
2023
Correspondence
13 Jun
2023
Correspondence
24 Apr
2023
Oral evidence
24 Apr
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
18 Apr
2023
Correspondence
13 Mar
2023
Oral evidence
13 Mar
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
24 Apr 2023
View on parliament.uk
Oral Evidence
Emran Mian · Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Rachel Maclean · Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
13 Mar 2023
View on parliament.uk
Oral Evidence
Councillor James Jamieson · Local Government Association Kate Henderson · National Housing Federation Richard Blyth · Royal Town Planning Institute Sam Stafford · Home Builders Federation
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Seventh Report - Reforms to national planning policy HC 1122 14 Jul 2023 25 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
25 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Stop-start national planning policy reform creates uncertainty and halts local plan progress.
National planning policy has been characterised by stop-start reform over several years. This has regrettably resulted in uncertainty among local authorities and across the planning sector. Contrary to the Government’s objective of facilitating plan- making, the short-term effect of its … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the consultation on proposed NPPF changes and is considering responses, stating they will continue to assess potential impacts, but does not specifically address the committee's concerns about uncertainty or halted local plan progress.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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2 Recommendation Not Addressed
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Pause plans for further planning reform, ensuring stability for existing implementations.
The Government must see the merit in pausing plans for further reform, in order to allow for a period of stability in which reforms already introduced can be properly implemented, and any lessons from that implementation learned.
Government Response
The government does not commit to pausing further reforms, stating it is still considering responses to the December 2022 NPPF consultation and will continue its targeted approach to evaluating reforms due to resource constraints.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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3 Recommendation Rejected
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Government lacks clear planning reform timetable and fails to evaluate past NPPF changes.
The Government has not been clear on the timetable for its many planning consultations and when its reforms will be implemented. Nor has the Government sufficiently evaluated the impact of its past NPPF changes to inform its current reform proposals. … Read more
Government Response
The government implicitly rejects the call for comprehensive impact assessments of past NPPF changes, citing resource constraints for its targeted and proportionate approach to evaluation, while stating it will continue to consider the potential impact of proposed changes.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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4 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Urgently conduct and publish impact assessments for all future NPPF changes, with clear timelines.
The Government should urgently conduct and publish impact assessments on all future NPPF changes. It should take a more strategic approach to future consultations, including publishing timelines for the implementation of its proposed reforms. (Paragraph 22) The national housing target Read more
Government Response
The government states it will continue to consider the potential impacts, including equalities, of NPPF changes, but indicates a targeted approach to evaluation due to resource constraints and does not commit to publishing all impact assessments or timelines for future reforms.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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5 Conclusion Not Addressed
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Government lacks evidence to achieve national housing target with advisory local targets.
We support the principle of a plan-led system and are sympathetic to the Government’s wish to ensure more local authorities have up-to-date local plans. However, it is difficult to see how the Government will achieve its 300,000 net national housing … Read more
Government Response
The government reaffirms its commitment to delivering 300,000 homes per year and the role of the standard method for local housing need, but does not provide evidence demonstrating how advisory local targets will directly lead to more housebuilding, as requested by the committee.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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6 Conclusion Not Addressed
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Proposed NPPF changes likely to hinder housebuilding despite increased local plan coverage
We are sceptical of the Minister for Housing and Planning’s confidence that greater local plan coverage will result in more housebuilding. If there is no longer a requirement for up-to-date local plans to continually demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, … Read more
Government Response
The government defends its housebuilding record and commitment to delivering 300,000 homes a year, referencing its standard method and commitment to Green Belt protection. However, it does not directly address the committee's specific scepticism regarding the effectiveness of advisory housing targets and the removal of the five-year land supply requirement in achieving these goals.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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7 Recommendation Not Addressed
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Publish comprehensive analysis showing how NPPF changes will deliver 300,000 annual new homes
In line with its previous commitment to us, the Government must publish its own comprehensive analysis, as part of its response to the December 2022 consultation, to demonstrate how the proposed changes to the NPPF will facilitate delivering 300,000 Reforms … Read more
Government Response
The government states it expects to publish its response to the consultation later in the autumn/year, implicitly delaying the committee's requested September 2023 deadline, but does not commit to publishing the comprehensive analysis or evidence base for how NPPF changes will deliver 300,000 homes, nor to explaining any further delays.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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8 Recommendation Not Addressed
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Set and commit to annual housing targets aligned with 300,000 net new homes per year
In order to aid transparency and accountability for housing delivery, the Department must set and commit to annual housing targets that are in line with the Government’s commitment to deliver 300,000 net new homes per year by the mid-2020s and … Read more
Government Response
The government reaffirms its commitment to delivering 1 million homes over the Parliament and working towards 300,000 homes annually. However, it does not commit to setting specific annual housing targets or detail how they will be achieved, instead referencing its existing standard method and ongoing efforts.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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9 Recommendation Not Addressed
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Require Minister to explain government action if NPPF reforms reduce housebuilding
If the NPPF reforms, once they have been implemented, do result in a reduction in housebuilding, the Minister for Housing and Planning should write to us as soon as this becomes apparent, and should explain whether the Government intends to … Read more
Government Response
The government reaffirms its commitment to delivering 300,000 homes per year and protecting the Green Belt, but does not address the recommendation to write to the committee if NPPF reforms lead to a reduction in housebuilding or explain its future course of action in that scenario.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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10 Recommendation Rejected
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Set out proportions of different housing tenures, including 90,000 Social Rent homes annually
We reiterate our previous recommendation from our report on the future of the planning system in England (2021) that the Government should set out the proportions of different types of tenure that will make up the 300,000 net new homes … Read more
Government Response
The government maintains that it is for local authorities to identify the size, type, and tenure of housing needed locally, and does not commit to setting national proportions or a specific target for social rent homes.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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11 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Prioritise and incentivise brownfield development while protecting Green Belt green spaces
The development of brownfield sites should be prioritised and incentivised, and green spaces in the Green Belt should be protected. However, brownfield sites alone cannot deliver 300,000 net new homes per year in the long-term. In particular, the greater upfront … Read more
Government Response
The government affirms its commitment to prioritizing brownfield development and protecting Green Belt land through existing national planning policy and financial support, stating that local authorities are not required to review Green Belt boundaries to meet housing needs.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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12 Recommendation Rejected
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Conduct national review of Green Belt purpose to assess brownfield development suitability
We reaffirm our previous recommendation from our report on the future of the planning system in England (2021) that a national review of the purpose of the Green Belt should assess the circumstances where brownfield sites within the Green Belt … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation for a national review of the Green Belt, stating it has no such plans and is committed to protecting and enhancing the Green Belt, while promoting brownfield land use.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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13 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Standard method formula not fit for purpose due to arbitrary urban uplift
The need for the urban uplift demonstrates that the standard method formula is not currently fit for purpose. The 35% urban uplift is an arbitrary figure, which is not calculated based on local housing need in the areas where it … Read more
Government Response
The government defends the urban uplift by reiterating its rationale for directing homes to urban centers for regeneration and leveling up, and states they intend to review the approach to housing needs after 2021 Census data is released, but does not commit to publishing the evidence base for the current uplift.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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14 Recommendation Rejected
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Abolish the urban uplift and implement a single needs-based standard method formula
The Government should abolish the urban uplift when it reviews the standard method in 2024. Instead, a single standard method formula that accounts for local housing need and capacity should apply to all local authorities. The revised formula should be … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to abolish the urban uplift, defending its purpose in directing homes to urban centers and supporting levelling up. It intends to review the standard method for assessing housing needs following the 2021 Census data but does not commit to abolishing the uplift.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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15 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Encourage neighbouring local authorities to cooperate on housing delivery across shared borders
The Government plans to abolish the Duty to Cooperate without clearly setting out what it will be replaced with. This is despite the Government having agreed with our recommendation in a previous report that the Duty to Cooperate should not … Read more
Government Response
The government clarifies that cooperation between local planning authorities will remain, stating it intends to retain joint local plans and introduce new joint spatial development strategies. It confirms that existing legal duties, including the duty to cooperate, will still apply, thereby addressing the committee's concern and outlining how cooperation will be encouraged.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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16 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Delay abolishing the Duty to Cooperate until a new regional housing alignment policy is published
The Government should ensure that the new alignment policy requires local authorities to work together on housing delivery, or introduce other mechanisms to encourage regional cooperation between local authorities on housing delivery. The detail of the new alignment policy must … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the need for continued cooperation, stating the Duty to Cooperate will remain in place until June 2025, and intends to introduce new joint spatial development strategies and supplementary plans to encourage regional cooperation.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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17 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Ensure local planning authorities possess specialist skills and sufficient resources for implementing reforms
There continues to be a pressing need for additional resources for local planning authorities to ensure the efficient working of the planning system and to implement the Government’s proposed reforms. The Government must ensure local planning authorities have the specialist … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the serious capacity and capability challenges faced by local planning authorities and has committed £37.5 million in additional funding, including a £24 million Planning Skills Delivery Fund, to recruit, retain, and upskill planners, alongside increasing planning application fees to provide further resources.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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18 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Publish a comprehensive resources and skills strategy for local planning authorities before implementing reforms
The Government should publish a comprehensive resources and skills strategy for the planning sector, in line with its commitment to us. The strategy should clearly explain how the resourcing and skill needs of local planning authorities will be met; and … Read more
Government Response
The government has committed £37.5 million, including a £24 million Planning Skills Delivery Fund, to help local authorities recruit, retain, and upskill planners. They are also implementing planning fee increases and conducting a survey to understand skill needs, addressing the call for a resources and skills strategy.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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19 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Secure broad political consensus for long-term implementation of the new Infrastructure Levy
We share our predecessor Committee’s view that when considering new mechanisms for land value capture it is vital that the Government learns the right lessons from the past. If the Government is determined to implement the new Infrastructure Reforms to … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need to ensure Infrastructure Levy reforms are successful, committing to further consultation, a "Test and Learn" approach, and parliamentary scrutiny to ensure the Levy achieves its aims and can be adjusted if needed.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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20 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
New Infrastructure Levy risks being more complicated than current planning finance system
It is not clear that the new Infrastructure Levy (IL) as it is currently proposed will be swifter and simpler for local authorities to administer than the current CIL/Section 106 agreement regime. The potential for multidimensional charging schedules with many … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges concerns about the complexity of the Infrastructure Levy, committing to further consultation, a 'Test and Learn' approach, and parliamentary reporting to ensure the reforms are effective and achieve their aims.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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21 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Outline ‘test and learn’ process and timeline for piloting the new Infrastructure Levy regime
Whilst piloting the new IL is a sensible approach, the Government must outline from the outset exactly how the ‘test and learn’ process will work and set out a limited timeline. The Government should make adjustments where appropriate as part … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to further consultation and a "Test and Learn" approach for the Infrastructure Levy, stating that necessary changes can be made and further details on the process will be provided as policy design progresses, but does not specify a limited timeline from the outset.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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22 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Infrastructure Levy amendments do not guarantee existing affordable housing delivery levels
We welcome that the Government has tabled amendments to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill to strengthen the duty of local authorities to deliver at least as many affordable homes under the new IL as they do under the current system … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's concern regarding affordable housing delivery under the new Infrastructure Levy, committing to a "Test and Learn" approach and a parliamentary report to monitor the Levy's impact and allow for necessary adjustments.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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23 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Adjust Infrastructure Levy or provide alternative funding if affordable housing delivery falls short
If the new IL falls short of delivering sufficient funding for local authorities to deliver at least as many affordable homes as the current regime, then the Government should make adjustments where appropriate as part of ‘test and learn’. Failing … Read more
Government Response
The government commits to a "Test and Learn" approach and further consultation on the Infrastructure Levy, supported by a parliamentary report on its impact, which will allow for scrutiny and necessary adjustments to ensure it delivers sufficient funding and affordable homes.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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24 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Insufficient detail on National Development Management Policies risks overriding local plans without oversight
It is regrettable that the Government has still not provided sufficient detail on the content of National Development Management Policies (NDMPs) for stakeholders to fully understand the impact they will have on the planning system. While NDMPs may make the … Read more
Government Response
The government clarifies that National Development Management Policies will sit alongside local plans and be subject to public consultation before introduction, providing scrutiny, to ensure national policy protections apply without superseding the plan-led system.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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25 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Seventh Report - Reforms to nation…
Subject National Development Management Policies to full parliamentary scrutiny before implementation
Each draft NDMP should be subject to full and proper parliamentary scrutiny before coming into force. Any draft NDMP which would have the effect of superseding the plan-led system should be carefully considered in Parliament on a case-by-case basis. 40 … Read more
Government Response
The government states National Development Management Policies (NDMPs) will not supersede the plan-led system and will be subject to public consultation, allowing Parliamentarians to scrutinise them, but does not commit to making them subject to the same formal parliamentary requirements as National Policy Statements.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
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Government Response AI assessment · 25 of 17 classified
Accepted 5
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 6
Not Addressed 6
Rejected 4
Total 17 recs + 8 conclusions
Correspondence 8 letters
12 Sep 2023 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State to the Chair dated 1 September 2023 concerning housing investment
Parliament page
18 Jul 2023 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Secretary of State dated 17 July 2023 concerning housing investment and the National Planning Policy Framework
Parliament page
27 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning to the Chair dated 20 June 2023 concerning Alignment Policy
Parliament page
13 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning dated 12 June 2023 concerning Alignment Policy
Parliament page
13 Jun 2023 To committee Letter from the Minister of State for Housing and Planning to the Chair dated 6 June 2023 following up her appearance before the Committee on 24 April
Parliament page
18 Apr 2023 To committee Letter from the Local Government Association to the Chair dated 24 March 2023 concerning reforms to national planning policy
Parliament page
28 Feb 2023 To committee Letter from the Minister for State for Housing and Planning to the Chair dated 21 February 2023 concerning planning reform consultations
Parliament page
7 Feb 2023 To committee Letter from the Chair to the Minister of State for Housing and Planning dated 6 February 2023 concerning consultations on planning
Parliament page