Strengthening planning policy for brownfield development

Following the publication of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) at the end of last year, the government has published the first of several consultations on specific policy elements . 

The government is consulting on mechanisms by which local planning authorities (LPAs) are encouraged to give ‘significant weight to the benefits of delivering as many homes as possible’ when deciding applications on brownfield land. 

Specific elements of the consultation include:

• Allowing flexibility as regards to internal layouts, including policies regarding the consideration of daylight and sunlight to maximise the use of a site.
• Changing the Housing Delivery Test (HDT) for a presumption on previously developed land.
• Potential changes to the powers of the Mayor of London.

We are keen to hear from members about their views on these changes. If you would like to submit evidence to support our response to the consultation, please download the briefing below and send us your responses by 11 March 2024.