National and Regional Planning Context

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National and Regional Planning Context

Introduction

The planning system seeks to make sure that things get built in the right place and in suitable locations.  Planning also makes sure that development and growth are sustainable and that planning decisions will not damage the environment for future generations.

The role of town and country planning is to anticipate and respond to changes in the physical and built environment through the Development Plan and the determination of planning applications.  There is just one planning system in England, but it operates on many levels.  Local development is influenced by what happens regionally and nationally.  This page provides an overview of the key elements including national planning guidance and themes emerging as part of the Government's Localism agenda.

The Plan-led System

The planning system in England requires each local planning authority to prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF) - a folder of documents outlining how planning will be managed for that area.  In determining planning applications, local planning authorities must have regard to their LDF.

Most types of development need planning permission although certain changes of land/building use e.g. if the changes are within the same use class – don't need planning permission. Also, some minor building works – known as permitted development – are automatically allowed.  More information can be found on the planning advice pages of the Council's website.

The 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (updated 2008) changed the nature of planning policy in England and introduced the need for local authorities to produce ‘spatial’ plans that went beyond traditional land use planning.  The system operated on two tiers. At a regional level, the South East Regional Assembly prepared a Regional Spatial Strategy - known as the South East Plan. This strategy determined how many homes were required in the region, as well as major development in areas such as education, transport, and employment growth.  Local planning documents needed to conform with the South East Plan.

The second tier was at a local level, where the Local Planning Authority was responsible for the production of a series of Local Development Documents (LDD’s). In April 2011 the Council adopted the Worthing Core Strategy which is the principle document in the suite of planning documents as it sets out the spatial planning strategies for the Borough up to 2026. For more information please visit our Local Development Framework pages.

Planning Reform - 'Localism'

The Government is committed to a radical reform of the planning agenda giving new powers to local councils, communities, neighbourhoods and individuals.  A key driver for this change is the Localism Bill which was given Royal Assent in November 2011. One of the main changes coming through the Localism Act is the legal framework for the removal of the South East Plan and other regional planning documents. Once removed, it will be the responsibility of local authorities to determine and plan for their own local housing requirements. 

The Government is using a number of other mechanisms to help reform the planning system and to deliver the localism agenda.  These are summarised below and links to additional documents are provided where appropriate.  Further information will be added to this page when it becomes available.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - The National Planning Policy Framework was published in March 2012.  This is a key part of the Government reforms to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, to protect the environment and to promote sustainable growth.  The framework streamlines national policy from over 1,000 pages of guidance to approximately 50 pages.  It consolidates a set of national priorities and objectives to consider when planning for and deciding on new development.  The NPPF can be viewed using this external link:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2116950.pdf

Officers have produced an NPPF briefing paper which can be viewed below.   This paper provides an overview of the NPPF and concludes by summarising the likely implications for Worthing Council.

New Homes Bonus - this scheme, which commenced in April 2011, is aimed at encouraging local authorities to grant planning permissions for the building of new houses, in return for additional revenue.  To incentivise house building the Government will match the additional Council Tax raised for each of the six years after that house has been built.  Money collected is not ring fenced.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) - this is a means of getting developers to make proper contributions towards making sure local infrastructure meets the needs of the new demands created by their development.  Further information can be viewed using this link: Infrastructure Planning.

Community Right to Build - this scheme which is part of the Government's drive to create the 'Big Society' will allow communities to get together and take forward developments for new homes, shops and facilities in their area.  Further details can be viewed on the following website: www.communities.gov.uk/righttobuild

Neighbourhood Plans - Communities are being encouraged and empowered to prepare neighbourhood plans. The emerging Localism Bill introduces this concept whereby parish councils and neighbourhood forums can, if they wish, produce plans to shape and manage development for their local areas.  A briefing note setting out more information is linked below:

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