OVERVIEW

Local authorities must make every effort to identify and then meet the housing, business and other development needs of an area. Plans need to set out the opportunities for local development, stating clear policies on what will, or will not, be permitted and where. The new framework is aiming to make the process simpler, clearer and more accessible to businesses and people in communities.

Policies should recognise and seek to address potential barriers to investment, such as a lack of infrastructure or affordable housing, whilst ensuring the evidence base for decisions is adequate, up-to-date and relevant. On top of these considerations is the need to redevelop the derelict buildings and abandoned sites in our towns and cities. New government guidelines for building on contaminated sites have been published with the aim of reducing bureaucracy and prioritising brownfield sites so that land that has previously been developed can be reused. Developers and landowners should be striving to remediate despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated and unstable land. How can councils encourage the reuse of existing resources, remove the barriers for investment and unlock land for new developments?

The planning reforms may be aiming to deliver a more flexible, simpler landscape for local authorities to operate in but, aside from these changes, there are some real challenges facing planners. Preparing our city centres, towns and villages for the short and long-term future is a sizable task.

How do we ease the shortage of homes and house a rising population – a population that is also living for longer? How do we free up land for development that can create jobs and growth but yet still protects the natural environment and spaces that are essential to our wellbeing?

Sir Adrian Montague's report has recommended greater flexibility to meet the growing housing demand and encourage institutional investment. New projects and developments have the potential to contribute to wider health objectives and reduce any adverse impacts on our health and quality of life. By engaging with a wide section of the community, developers can produce their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans that support economic growth and better meet the needs of the local area. There is a real emphasis on local authorities to plan positively for the future of communities by setting out a clear economic vision and strategy for their area.

Just as pivotal as the social and economic considerations is assessing the environmental impact of new developments. The government has unveiled a series of measures to promote sustainable growth. Protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environments is important to our wellbeing. It will benefit our future generations and help meet the challenges of climate, flooding and coastal change.

There are wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of historic environments and heritage assets can bring. By minimising waste and pollution, and utilising renewable resources, developers can help mitigate and adapt to climate change and contribute towards a competitive low-carbon economy.

Join us at Shaping Places: Getting Britain Building where we will be looking at how streamlined planning and development can boost the economy, better meet the needs of our communities and improve the quality of life of citizens. Our insightful programme of speakers and masterclass sessions will help equip you with the skills you need to help shape strong, vibrant and healthy communities.