Campaign for fair planning
The Government published its long awaited reforms to the planning system in March 2012. Civic Voice and the civic movement ran a well organised campaign to pressurise Government to change its stance.
Along with others in the sector, we welcomed the changes to the document. Civic Voice campaigned with our 290 civic groups to ensure that we had a planning system that was fair for all and believes that a fair system actually enhances growth. We are delighted that many of the concerns raised, not just by us, but many others as well, were recognised and incorporated.
We are particularly pleased about putting good design as a core planning principle; more clarity over the definition of sustainable development; the recognition of non-designated countryside and strengthening provisions to encourage the development of brownfield sites, as well as the Town Centre First policy.
Though we have some concerns, for example that by streamlining and removing so much guidance, the NPPF may suffer delays due to legal challenge. Nonetheless, we do recognise the improvements that have been delivered and we encourage all civic groups to now play their role in doing their best to help deliver its implementation, working with local councils, as we so often do.
You can read a press release Civic Voice published here
For more information about Civic Voice’s views on the planning policy reforms click here