National Planning Policy Framework response
26 September 2024
We, and our members, believe in a place-based approach to housing and that those who share a long-term commitment to an area are best placed to decide how housing need should be met.
We have recently responded to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Our response was informed by conversations with, and input from, our members.
In our response we said we shared the government’s ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over this Parliament and agreed that planning reform and clear targets that genuinely reflect housing need will be critical if we are to achieve this.
We also shared our view that while our members are robust, ambitious organisations, committed to meeting housing need and regenerating their communities, the current model of social housing development is being pushed to its limits. We urged the government to look at all the levers it can use to support housing associations to keep building, including how social housing is funded through grant.
We welcomed the focus on social housing and Social Rent in the proposed revisions to the NPPF and that this government recognises the vital role social housing can play in supporting the delivery of housing, alongside its critical role in ensuring housing needs across the country are met.
It was good to see the statement that ‘decisions about what to build and where should reflect local views, and planning should be about how to deliver the housing an area needs - not whether to do so at all’ and there was much to welcome in the proposed changes. However, we think the NPPF could be further strengthened to ensure this clear intent is translated into practice, particularly when it comes to increasing the supply of social housing.
For example, we think there could be more clarity on the tenures required under Section 106 agreements, and clearer statements on the rationale and benefits of social housing in the NPPF that will help planning authorities develop and defend robust social housing policies.
The other critical role that planning plays is to make sure the new homes we build are in the right places and lead to resilient, sustainable, connected communities. We, and our members, believe in a place-based approach to housing and that those who share a long-term commitment to an area are best placed to decide how housing need should be met.
We would welcome the opportunity to work with the government to ensure the planning system supports the place-shaping role of our members. For example, our members have real expertise to offer on how to achieve the universal coverage of strategic planning and how Spatial Development Strategies are brought forward.
We also have good practice and case studies to share on both mixed tenure developments and high percentage social housing developments that will help demonstrate that building homes that meet the breadth of need in communities have long-term demonstrable benefits.
We look forward to working with the government and our members over the coming months to ensure the changes to the NPPF work effectively in practice and deliver the policy objectives set out in the consultation.
Westminster photo by Linda Gerbec on Unsplash