National Planning Policy Framework Objectives: Everything You Need to Know
05 Mar, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What the National Planning Policy Framework is.
- What the objectives in the National Planning Policy Framework are.
- How Town Planners can help meet the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.
- Where the latest planning jobs are and how to apply for them.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is an important document within the UK planning sector and it is important that those working with the sector are aware of its content. In our recent blog, we’re exploring the NPPFs objectives for ensuring the planning sector is working succinctly and achieving resilient communities.
What is the National Planning Policy Framework?
The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the UK government’s policies for land use across England.
This important document is accessible via the government websites and its goal is to provide guidance for the development of local plans and decision-making on planning applications for local planning authorities.
The framework was first published in 2012, replacing Planning Policy Guidance and covers the requirements for high-quality housing developments, housing targets for local authorities, economic growth and more.
What are the objectives in the National Planning Policy Framework?
At the core of the National Planning Policy Framework are a number of important objectives outlining the role of the planning system, including:
- Delivering a sufficient supply of homes.
- Promoting healthy and safe communities.
- Achieving sustainable development.
- Protecting Green Belt land.
- Making effective use of land.
- Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.
- Promoting sustainable transport.
- Conserving and enhancing the historic environment.
Delivering a sufficient supply of homes
A significant object of the National Planning Policy Framework is to encourage the requirement for a sufficient supply of homes.
In order to achieve this, local planning policies should support the needs of families, older people and other community groups by creating affordable housing.
Ambitious but realistic housing targets should be set for local authorities and the development of brownfield sites is promoted to ensure that land is used efficiently.
Promoting healthy and safe communities
The NPPF also promotes the establishment of communities that are healthy and safe and encourages this through ensuring that social interaction and active lifestyles are supported by planning decisions.
The provision of green spaces, local services and community facilities is essential for improving a communities wellbeing and mitigating social isolation.
The framework also promotes the safety of local communities by emphasising the need for developments that minimise crime and integrate well-lit streets and natural surveillance.
Achieving sustainable development
Sustainable development is defined as growth that meets the needs of present community members without compromising the needs of future generations.
Economic, social and environmental objectives must work in sync to ensure that the planning sector is supporting economic prosperity alongside the creation of vibrant communities.
Local authorities must adopt policies that help them create sustainable communities and ensure long-term prosperity for everyone who lives and works within them.
Protecting Green Belt land
Within its pages, the National Planning Policy Framework refers to Green Belt land and the protection of such areas in order to safeguard the countryside. Green Belt land is the term used to describe areas of open land surrounding urban regions.
This land is protected from most types of development in order to set a clear boundary between built up areas and rural locations, whilst making sure that urban areas do not take over.
The NPPF focuses on the fact the Green Belt boundaries should be adhered to and alterations should only take place in exceptional circumstances and by following the local plan process.
The framework sets out to ensure that any urban development takes place on previously developed land and that Green Belt boundaries are respected into the future.
Making effective use of land
Another objective within the National Planning Policy Framework marks the need for effective land use. Not only does this help with housing targets, building a strong economy and emphasising the importance of environmental protection, it also encourages the redevelopment of brownfield sites and mixed-use developments.
The NPPF works to encourage local planning authorities to make use of buildings that are not being utilised while maintaining the character of a local area.
Conserving and enhancing the natural environment
The National Planning Policy Framework also highlights the important focus needed to care for the natural environment. The conservation and enhancement of the natural environment is an important aspect of all planning decisions and the NPPF advocates for the protection of areas such as national parks alongside sustainable land use.
The framework also emphasises the requirement for mitigation and compensation solutions when a development poses an unavoidable risk to the environment.
Promoting sustainable transport
Sustainable transport is another important topic within the National Planning Policy Framework. Developments that help to reduce a communities reliance on car travel and support alternative methods of getting around such as walking, cycling and using public transport are essential for fostering environmental sustainability.
The framework calls for planning that incorporates a reduction in congestion whilst enhancing connectivity in towns and cities.
Conserving and enhancing the historic environment
Another objective of the NPPF is to ensure that planning developments protect heritage assets of towns and cities and in turn conserve and enhance the historic environment.
Whether it be buildings, landscapes or monuments the frameworks emphasises that harm to the historic environment should be minimised. The design of developments should also be executed with sensitivity to complement and enhance the existing historic character of its location.
How can Town Planners help meet the objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework?
Throughout the UK, Town Planners play a significant role in adhering to the objectives of the NPPF. They must help to promote sustainable development whilst creating resilient and vibrant communities.
Local plans must be implemented in alignment with the National Planning Policy Framework and support the delivery of housing, conservation of the historic environment and enhance existing infrastructure.
Planning recruitment specialist, Josh Draycott, says “Town Planners also have a key role in engaging with local communities to make sure that developments are meeting their needs and adhering to national planning goals.”
Josh continues, “This means effective communication is an important skill for Town Planners in order to create happy communities and work towards the objectives of the NPPF.”
Contact a town planning recruitment specialist
Josh Draycott is a dedicated private sector and local authority Town Planning recruitment specialist with a diverse background in recruitment.
With a strong focus on the planning industry, Josh recruits for a wide range of roles, including Town Planners, Policy Planners, Urban Planners, Development Management Planners and Directors of Planning. His expertise lies in sourcing both interim and permanent talent to meet the planning objectives of his clients.
Planning jobs
If you’re searching for your next town planning job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Town planning recruitment services
As town planning recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
Josh has built long-standing, trusted relationships with numerous local council planning departments, delivering tailored recruitment solutions that address the dynamic and evolving demands of the town planning sector.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, get in touch with Josh Draycott on 01772 954200 to see how we can help.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
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In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
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