In December 2023, Michael Gove confirmed the UK Government’s desire to ‘cement the role of beauty and placemaking in the planning system.’

Practically, this is being set out in it’s latest revision to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introducing changes designed to address current challenges in the housing sector, alonside matters around character and beauty / ugliness. In summary:

Green Belt and Character Preservation

• Green Belt:  Clarifies the conditions under which Green Belt boundaries may be adjusted, stating that such changes should only occur where exceptional circumstances are fully evidenced and justified through the plan-making process. This aims to protect Green Belt lands from unnecessary development.
• Character of Areas: Introduces guidelines to ensure new developments respect the existing character of areas. It acknowledges situations where significant increases in residential densities might not be suitable due to their potential impact on the character of existing areas, particularly in historic suburbs.

Local Plan Recency and Housing Land Supply

• Local Plans: The emphasis is on the importance of maintaining up-to-date Local Plans, defined as those less than five years old. Local authorities with such plans are exempt from the annual requirement to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, aiming to reduce the frequency of speculative development.
• Housing Land Supply: Adjustments to the approach for calculating the five-year housing land supply include simplifying the buffer requirements. Removes the 5% and 10% buffers, focusing on a 20% buffer for areas where housing delivery is below 85% of the housing requirement, intended to simplify calculations and encourage continuous housing delivery.

Emphasis on Beauty and Placemaking

• Beauty in Development: Incorporating a stronger focus on ensuring that new developments are aesthetically pleasing, using the term “beautiful” to describe the desired outcome of new construction. This includes guidance on enhancing the design and visual appeal of developments to fit with local character.
• Placemaking: The framework underscores the importance of placemaking in planning decisions, promoting developments that contribute positively to the local environment, enhance the public realm, and are integrated with the surrounding area.

Streamlining Housing Delivery

• Assessment of Housing Need: Local authorities are granted more flexibility in determining housing needs. The standard method for calculating housing need is now an advisory starting point, with local authorities permitted to propose adjustments based on specific local conditions and robust evidence.
• Diverse Housing Market: The NPPF encourages the support of a variety of housing types, including community-led housing, self-build, and custom-build projects. This is aimed at diversifying the housing market and facilitating the delivery of homes that meet a wide range of community needs.

Environmental and Agricultural Considerations

• Agricultural Land: The NPPF advises that development decisions consider the impact on agricultural land, with a preference for using land of lower quality for development over higher quality agricultural land. This is aimed at preserving valuable agricultural resources.
• Energy Efficiency: Aligning with the Energy Security Strategy, the framework gives significant weight to energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements in buildings. This supports the transition towards more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings without compromising heritage assets.