London, 13 December 2024 – Environmental Industries Association Highlights Impacts of Revised NPPF and Brownfield First Strategy
The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) today issued a statement on the significant impacts of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the government's Brownfield First strategy. These changes are set to reshape the landscape of urban development and environmental management in the UK.
Responding to the revised document Peter Atchison, PAGeo and Chair of the EIA Remediation of Land and Groundwater working group said “The newly released NPPF offers a good insight into the government’s plans for sustainable development throughout the current parliament. Brownfield is mentioned in 11 sections of the document and as brownfield development is synonymous with sustainability then the governments intent is clear. “Brownfield first” meets many of the goals of the NPPF and EIA members are
pleased to see its inclusion in this important first stage document”.
Sunil Shah, Acclaro Advisory and Chair of the EIA Sustainable Buildings Working Group said “We welcome the proactive approach to both mitigation and adaptation to climate change within the NPPF, particularly with the avoidance of increased vulnerability.
Potential consequences for flood risk and cumulative impacts will be of particular concern. Additional demands for local plans to lay out additional requirements for the sustainability of buildings and supply of renewable energy should be extended to allow
areas to promote high levels of whole life energy and carbon reduction. However, there is uncertainty how the NPPF will help to achieve the new Government targets of 81%reduction by 2035”.
The revised NPPF introduces several key paras aimed at promoting sustainable development while protecting valuable green spaces. One of the most notable changes is the emphasis on the "Brownfield First" strategy, which prioritizes the redevelopment of
previously developed land over greenfield sites. This approach is designed to mitigate urban sprawl and preserve the countryside, aligning with the government's broader environmental goals.
Here’s a summary of the key points related to brownfield land, environmental design, and permitting from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) December 2024:
Brownfield Land
- Promotion of Brownfield Land: The NPPF emphasises the importance of making effective use of previously developed or 'brownfield' land. It encourages local planning authorities to prioritise brownfield sites for redevelopment to meet housing and other development needs.
- Brownfield Registers: Local planning authorities are required to maintain brownfield land registers to identify suitable sites for residential development. This helps streamline the planning process and promotes the reuse of land that has
been previously developed. - Support for Remediation: The framework supports the remediation of despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated, or unstable land to bring it back into productive use.
Environmental Design
- Sustainable Development: The NPPF highlights the need for development to contribute to sustainable development goals, balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives.
- Design Quality: High-quality design is fundamental, with an emphasis on creating beautiful, sustainable places. Developments should be visually attractive, function well, and add to the overall quality of the area.
- Green Infrastructure: The integration of green infrastructure is encouraged to enhance biodiversity, support climate change adaptation, and improve the quality of life for residents.
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Developments should incorporate measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and sustainable drainage systems.
Permitting
- Decision-Making: Local planning authorities are encouraged to approach decisions on proposed developments positively and creatively, using tools like brownfield registers and permission in principle to facilitate development.
- Pre-Application Engagement: Early engagement between developers, local authorities, and communities is promoted to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application process.
- Environmental Impact Assessments: The NPPF requires that developments likely to have significant environmental effects undergo thorough environmental impact assessments to ensure that potential impacts are fully understood and mitigated.
- Conditions and Obligations: Planning conditions and obligations should be used to make otherwise unacceptable development acceptable. These should be necessary, relevant, and reasonable. EIA welcomes the retention of para 201
which confirmed that the planning issues should not be revisited through the permitting regimes operated by pollution control authorities.
These points reflect the NPPF's commitment to promoting sustainable development, making effective use of land, and ensuring high-quality design while protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
Statements from Key Figures:
EIA wrote to Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing on Brownfield First and concerns over DoWCoP (version 3) and EIA is pleased that the Deputy Prime Minister has been a vocal advocate for the Brownfield First strategy. She emphasised the need to unlock potential housing sites on Brownfield site, stating, "There is lots of brownfield, lots of areas that need to be unlocked for development. Our priority is to build on brownfield sites first".
Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of protecting green spaces. "We have been clear that developers should first look to brownfield, or previously developed, land. That is essential to protect our most valuable countryside and agricultural land"
Conclusion:
The Environmental Industries Association supports the revised NPPF and the Brownfield First strategy as crucial steps towards sustainable urban development. By prioritising brownfield sites and streamlining the planning process, these measures promise to balance the need for new housing with the imperative to protect and enhance the environment. EIA will work with the Government to ensure that Brownfield First delivery is maintained and escalate any concerns from our Members.
For more information about the Environmental Industries Association, please visit www.EIAssociation.co.uk
Tags: #AngelaRayner #Labour #NPPF #SustainableDevelopment #Housing #Brownfield
#Permitting #Sustainability #BNG #ClimateChange #Planning #LocalGovernment
For more information, please contact:
Environmental Industries Association (EIA)
Membership@EIAssociation.co.uk
07562138034
