RICS responds to Michael Gove’s speech on the National Planning Policy Framework

In a speech in Central London yesterday, Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced plans to ‘supercharge’ development across the UK as part of the recently unveiled National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

In a wide-ranging speech touching on funding pledges for planners and local authorities, local development plans and placemaking. Gove, outlined that “government is on the side of the builders and not the blockers” going on to say that “councils must play their part and deliver the homes this country needs, without concreting over the countryside.”

Below is the RICS’ view on the announcements made today and what they could mean for our members and the general public.

Funding & resource

RICS is in agreement with the Government that it is crucial that local authorities have up to date future development plans as this provides greater certainty about decision making. To achieve this, we welcome the Government’s commitment to providing a £29m Planning Skills Development Fund, £14m provided to 180 local authorities and £13.5m allocated for the ‘super squad’ planning team, as well as the recognition of the important role of planners in England. Nevertheless, we remain concerned around the acute lack of resources available to local authorities and the impact this will have on realising these LDPs. Local Authorities' Planning Departments require full and proper resourcing to tackle backlogs, staff turnover and ensure a properly functioning enforcement apparatus. This urgently needs to be addressed to ensure that localised planning and development is efficient and works in the interests of local people.

Working together, better

Central and local government have important complementary roles to play in ensuring the planning system is functioning effectively. RICS has advocated a public housebuilding programme to address the cumulative shortfall in housing delivery over the years. This requires local planning authorities to plan positively for such housing and also requires central government to make funds available to carry it out, as well as providing concrete targets for local authorities to meet, such as the national 300,000 house building target. At present 60% of local plans are out of date and the Government’s decision to make housing targets advisory, rather than compulsory, creates an uncertainty for communities and industry at a time when confidence and clarity are required.

Local decision making and place

We welcome the Government’s recognition of the importance of local decision making. To achieve results that work for communities, a more localised system needs to be encouraged and RICS welcomes the government's continued focus to regenerate towns and put local people in control of their future. We agree that protecting the character of an area is important to local communities, however, this cannot be to the detriment of providing good, affordable housing for local communities. In order for local authorities to achieve this, it may be the case that the Government undertakes a review of the current Green Belt policy to transparently consider the benefits and trade-offs that apply to its current operation.

Commenting on the announcement, Robert Toomey, Senior Public Affairs Officer said:

The focus from Government on reforming planning is important and the acknowledgement of the significant role that planners play in realising housing and development across the UK is to be welcomed.

Nevertheless, the Government’s decision to water down housing targets is disappointing. Housing pressures are being acutely felt by people across England and the scrapping of the target of building 300,000 new homes a year, will not help to alleviate this pressure.

In addition, resource and funding is key to allowing planning departments in local authorities to work effectively. Again, the announcements made by Michael Gove today are to be welcomed, but more needs to be done to ensure these departments are as efficient as possible so that they can work in the best interest of local people.

For more information or to get involved in RICS’ policy work, contact Senior Public Affairs Officer, Robbie Toomey at rtoomey@rics.org