The recent change in the UK government has brought with it the prospect of some significant changes to planning policy, with some already enacted. With a focus on economic growth, sustainable development, and housing, the new administration has already identified significant policy shifts that will impact most sectors and parts of the United Kingdom. These changes present many opportunities for landowners, property companies, investors, and developers. At SLC Property, we are ready to help you navigate these changes so you can capitalise on them.
Consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework
A consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will be launched this summer, likely to be open for only a few months. The governance focus will be on how to change National policy so that the administrative planning process is streamlined and focused on economic growth. This consultation will focus on embedding targets for new housing into local plans, where a land should be allocated for new development, and those projects and developments will be decided at a national level rather than by local planning authorities. These nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP) will be fast-tracked by government.
We will be following the changes to the NPPF closely to understand how any changes may affect our clients’ projects. We are also available to new clients to advise on representations that you may want us to make on your behalf.
Review of Green Belt Policies and Boundaries
The Government has announced its intention to review the national Green Belt policy. The objective of the review is to identify land that should be released for development, especially for housing. All local planning authorities will be required to quickly identify land for development and look again at the boundaries of Green Belts.
We specialise in making representations for the release of Green Belt land and identifying opportunities for new development, especially rail-related. We will assemble the reasoned justification for releasing our client’s land, and present the case to the local planning authority, including, if necessary, a local public inquiry.
Onshore Wind Ban Lifted
The Government has lifted the ban on onshore wind farms, signalling a renewed commitment to renewable energy. This decision aligns with the new government’s broader strategy to enhance the UK’s green infrastructure and achieve climate goals. Onshore wind farms are expected to play a crucial role in the country’s energy mix, focusing on providing a cleaner and more sustainable source of power.
We offer expertise in obtaining planning permission for renewable energy projects and identifying land and projects with significant potential. Our services include promoting these opportunities to clients and negotiating land acquisition and leases, ensuring successful project development, and contributing to the UK’s green energy goals.
Updated Housing Targets
The Government plans to build 1.5 million homes by the end of the current parliament. The focus will be on requiring local planning authorities to allocate brownfield and ‘greybelt’ land and develop previously used land for new housing.
We have expertise in making representations on behalf of clients, identifying potential housing land, and promoting client land and property. Our services include finding solutions to key infrastructure challenges like sewage, surface water treatment, and power supply, which are crucial for housing delivery. We can review stalled planning applications, assist applicants and landowners, and facilitate stakeholder engagement for Green Belt reviews and planning applications.
With these significant changes to planning policies under the new government, staying ahead is important to ensure you are making the most of these opportunities. Contact our team to help you navigate these policy shifts.
