New
planning rules, published today by the Government, are an improvement on the
discredited draft produced last year but still represent a green light for
developers – that’s the initial reaction of Cambridge Past, Present &
Future (CambridgePPF), the charity that lobbies to positively influence local
planning developments.
“The
Government has listened with one ear,” said CambridgePPF Chairman, Robin Pellew.
“It has selectively heard some of the criticisms of the original draft, but the
overall bias in favour of development is still there.”
The team
at CambridgePPF is reviewing the new framework in detail but listening to Greg
Clark’s statement in the House of Commons, the team drew the following
conclusions:
“We
welcome a more balanced definition of sustainable development that includes
consideration of social and environmental effects but the pro-growth distortion
is still there.”
"Because of the economic
situation, we are unlikely to see a tidal wave of speculative new schemes but
there is no doubt the goal-posts have still been moved. Local communities,
Residents Associations, and civic organisations such as CambridgePPF will need
to be even more vigilant to ensure that development is located in the right
places and of the highest quality. In time, we are likely to see more
developers targeting sites that are inappropriate for building, for example in
the Green Belt areas to the edge of the City, on playing fields, and in attractive
open countryside areas. Local Authorities will be minded to refuse
planning permission, but the new regulations may encourage developers to appeal
against such refusals. This will mean that many large-scale, contentious
schemes could ultimately be decided centrally by the government's Planning
Inspectorate who, when applying the new rules, may be more likely to overturn
the decision of the Local Authority. "Planning by Appeal" is not
only contrary to local democracy, it also flies in the face of the
government's drive for localism and giving local communities greater
say in planning their future."
CambridgePPF
welcomes the re-iteration of using brownfield land first, greater protection
for heritage sites and the environment, and reducing the garden grabbing effect
– all important aspects in Cambridge.
It is also pleased that the purpose of the Green Belt to prevent urban sprawl
has been endorsed. However, Local Authorities are encouraged to review the
boundaries of their Green Belts as part of the local planning process. And
CambridgePPF remains concerned that open countryside, not already designated
for protection, still remains vulnerable to development.”
“Late
last year we were concerned that the immediate imposition of these new rules
would lead to a building free-for-all”, added Robin Pellew. “We called on the Government to give a
transition period sufficient for the new regulations to bed down, and they have
now offered just one year. Local planning must involve extensive consultation
with the people it effects, which inevitably takes time to achieve. Unfortunately
Cambridge’s new Local Plan will not be ready in time.”
“By
moving the goal-posts so directly in favour of development, local communities
and CambridgePPF will need to be ever more vigilant in ensuring that future
plans do serve the wider needs of the people. Obviously we need growth but not
at any cost to the character, social fabric and natural environment of
Cambridge and its immediate surrounding. Only time will tell if the NPPF will
be clear and robust enough to protect our natural environment and open spaces and
if it will balance development with enhanced sustainability, quality of the
built and historic environment and biodiversity. We all need to make sure the
Cambridge’s new Local Plan – currently in discussion – will ensure a quality environment
we all can enjoy in the future.”
References:
CambridgePPF – past comments
on Consultation Draft of NPPF and CambridgePPF's petition
 |
| Dr Robin Pellew submitting CambridgePPF's petition to Government in October 2011 |