NPPF response

1. The National Planning Framework receives some poetic justice.
The National Planning Framework
Effective planning strategy or coalition rhetoric gone beserk?
From thousands of pages down to 52
Does it shed clarity on what planning is there to do?
Or is muddled, confused and contradictory?
Adodgy foundation from which our economy can renew
Or planning’s final valedictory?
At its heart lies the notion of development that is sustainable
Set within emerging definitions and rhetoric that are rarely attainable
Economic primacy rules the roost
With the express aim of giving us all an economic boost
Green belt and designations are given necessary protection
Yet outdatedassumptions of their continued relevance cause frustration
But what of this thing called localism and big society
Neighbourhood plans, greenspace designations, community right to build, all challenge centralist
mediocrity.
Yet, despite the hype of communities shaping their own future liveability
All MUST follow the local plan or rely on referendums with an outright majority
So what of the academic assessment
The key determinant is going to be sustainable development
A legal nightmare of definition, interpretation and procrastination
Will undoubtedly slow down planning decisions amidst increasing frustration
The enemy of enterprise is short term fixes and uncertainty

2. A lawyer’s paradise that is destined to pit developer against community
Yet, each policy area in isolation hassome positive trajectory
Some fine words from the established planning vocabulary
But beware of the inherent contradictions
Sustainability is not something fuelled just by economic growth adulations
Its about building peoples capacity, confidence and comprehensions
Its not just blanket Protection of Green belt and existing designations
Its about understanding connectivity and dependencies and opportunities
Where environment and people are assets to be valued despite long term uncertainties
Climate change requires more focus on adaptability
Where policy dogma shifts to encompass increased flexibility
We need to be bold and innovate
As environment change recognises no authority boundaries or an expiry date
We need much better data and understanding from which to plan
Policy on presumption is outdated, dangerous and requires a ban
And what of spatial planning; from global to Local scale
Disconnects will lead undoubtedly to perverse actions that will ultimately fail
We need a national map that highlights new national infrastructure avoiding the ad-hoc trap
And so planning can assume its rightful place as a positive agent of change rather than its perception
as bureaucratic crap.