This Tuesday, the government published its draft for the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), with changes impacting the infrastructure sector. Infrastructure Matters has looked over the details and identified the most significant implications. • The focus on renewable energy has increased significantly - Local Authorities will now be mandated to identify sites for renewable development, a much stronger demand than the requirement to “consider identifying” sites as it was before. Local Authorities also cannot require applicants to demonstrate the need for renewable development and must “give significant weight to the proposal’s contribution to renewable energy generation and a net zero future.” • The threshold for solar farms to be assessed as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) has been increased from 50MW to 150MW, which will reduce costs and timescale for projects of that size. This will likely lead to increased pressures on local councils’ planning processes as they handle more applications, as well as increased interest from developers in those projects. • Labour has now defined the Grey Belt and how they intend to use it. The Grey Belt is defined as Green Belt land that is either previously developed, or does little to contribute to the goals of the green belt. Labour are prioritising previously developed sites first, and only developing news sites in the green belt when that isn’t possible. This announcement will focus attention on disused sites in the green belt. • With grey belt development requiring 50% affordable housing, infrastructure provisions in these areas will be a key medium-term focus for the government and developers. For working families, high quality schools and transport links are vital for improving outcomes, so providing these quickly will be key. The draft NPPF can be found on the Government website, and is currently subject to an open consultation. If you would like support in producing a submission for the consultation, or would like to discuss how these announcements may affect your project, please get in touch with our team of trusted advisors to the infrastructure sector at [email protected]
"I am setting out a radical plan to not only get the homes we desperately need, but also drive growth" 🎥 WATCH: Deputy PM Angela Rayner outlines planned changes to the NPPF that will get Britain building again