Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of City Development which presents a digest of the proposals contained within a series of consultation proposals relating to changes to the NPPF and supporting guidance issued by the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, following on from the 2017 Housing White Paper “Planning for the right homes in the right places”. The report draws out the key issues for Leeds and includes a draft response to the consultation.

(Report attached)

The Panel considered a report setting out the Council’s draft response to the Government consultation on proposed revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) had indicated its intention to revise the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as part of the planning reform package set out in the February 2017 Housing White Paper (HWP), the September 2017 ‘Planning for the Right Homes in the Right Places’ consultation and further announcements in the November 2017 Budget.

The proposals, launched on 5th March 2018, included the following interrelated documents:

·  National Planning Policy Framework consultation proposals

·  National Planning Policy Framework – Draft Text for Consultation

·  Draft Planning Practice Guidance for Viability, merged as part of wider revisions to the Planning Practice Guidance

·  Housing Delivery Test – Draft Measurement Rule Book

·  Supporting Housing Delivery through developer contributions (Reforming developer contributions to affordable housing & infrastructure).

The schedule at Appendix 1 of the report included the draft response to the proposed changes with comments on the supporting documents included in Appendix 2.

The Head of Strategic Planning, Planning & Sustainable Development introduced the report and the key headlines for Leeds:

Sustainable Development – Previous concerns that guidance on sustainable development had focussed primarily on an economic rather than a holistic approach had been acknowledged through the rebalancing of economic with environmental and social objectives.

Role of Combined Authorities – Although the Guidance recognised role of combined authorities, it was noted that the West Yorkshire Combined Authority had no planning powers. However the role of Neighbourhood Plans was now elevated, but further clarity was required on the narrative regarding their relationship to Local Plans.

Viability – Guidance suggests that viability will be dealt with as part of the Local Plan making process. Standardised methodology is emphasised but the calculations previously published for each local authority were not repeated.

Housing – A series of technical requirements around the housing delivery test – including delivery rates, relationship to SHLAA etc - suggest the introduction of increased Local Authority monitoring responsibility.

It was reported that the Guidance re-stated the Government’s commitment to protection of the Green Belt; allowing for some flexibility:

·  Neighbourhood Plans can have a role in altering boundaries

·  A change of use can be allowed in certain circumstances - but it has been noted that the change of use will not be subject to the very special circumstances test.

A query was raised over Paragraph 145 of the Guidance which appeared to suggest the opportunity for development to come forward under a Community Right To Build Order or Neighbourhood Development Order thus setting aside the high threshold for Green Belt Development. Members were advised that Chapter 13 Green Belt had been amended to clarify:

Green Belt - development only in exceptional circumstances,

Inappropriate development - development only in very special circumstances. The Guidance also now included ‘not accepted sites’ such as allotments.

Members were assured that the threshold remained high for release of Green Belt for development and it was agreed that recent officer training documents on this issue would be made available to Members.

In respect of Affordable Housing, the Guidance expects 10% of dwellings to be provided as affordable home ownership. For some authorities with targets of 20% or 25% or more, this would allow provision of other types of Affordable Housing, however it would present an issue for Leeds - with low Affordable Housing targets and having regard to the outcome of the SHMAA 2017 which identified a need for two thirds Affordable Housing to be social rented – as all 10% would have to be provided for home ownership. Members noted and supported the intention for the Authority to raise this issue in the proposed response to the consultation. Additionally, information comparing Leeds’ approach to Affordable Housing and targets with other local authorities would be provided to Members in due course.

Implementation of the proposed changes to the NPPF was anticipated for summer 2018, with a 6 month transitional period to allow for existing Plans at examination to conclude their processes.

In conclusion the Chair reiterated four matters which Panel had consistently raised as issues, and sought to ensure that Members comments were included within the consultation response relating to:

·  Viability

·  Build-out rates

·  Leeds 5 Year Land Supply and

·  Extant planning permissions

Finally, acknowledging that this would be the last Panel meeting before the local elections in May 2018, the Chair took the opportunity to thank Panel Members and officers for their contributions and work this year.

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the contents of the report and the draft response to the NPPF consultation proposals as set out in the report and the comments made during discussions.

b)  To note that the comments made at the meeting will be used to inform responses where appropriate, in conjunction with the Chair and the Executive Member for Regeneration Transport and Planning, prior to the submission to the Secretary of State by the given deadline of 10^th May 2018.