Updates to NPPF – September 2023

NPPF Updates
5 September 2023

On the 5th September, the government is making new changes that will empower communities to advance onshore wind projects, leading to quicker generation of renewable energy and reduced energy bills for supportive residents.

The government has streamlined planning regulations, granting local communities a more influential role in determining the fate of onshore wind projects. This move aims to foster electricity cost savings and bolster national energy security.

These measures encompass a broader range of methods for identifying suitable locations, including community-driven initiatives, and expediting the site allocation process through alternatives to the local planning process. This approach ensures that the entire community has a voice, shifting the focus from a minority of objectors to a majority of supporters, thereby opening the door to more community-supported onshore wind projects.

Importantly, local policies regarding onshore wind will continue to be decided by elected local councillors, who are accountable to their constituents. Projects will move forward when they can demonstrate local support and address planning concerns raised by the community.

Furthermore, communities endorsing local wind farms could stand to benefit from reduced energy costs, thanks to proposals designed to incentivize more projects. The government has sought input on measures to enhance the benefits and rewards for communities supporting onshore wind farms and will unveil the next steps in this process later this Autumn.

In a post on Gov.UK on the 5th September, the Government confirmed that:

  • Communities are able to bring forward proposals for onshore wind – planning policy will be changed to make clear onshore wind developments can be identified in several ways rather than through local plans. This includes through Local Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders.
  • Councils should consider the views of the whole community, rather than a small minority, when considering a planning application. This includes addressing the planning impact of onshore wind projects as identified by local communities.

If you have any queries regarding the updated NPPF, or any other planning matters, please use the form below to contact our team today.

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Appeal Allowed – Betts Mead – 3302273

Success at Appeal! 

Appeal Allowed! Success at appeal resolving a historic parking matter and enforcement case.

We were able to demonstrate that the site at Betts Mead had been in use as an informal car park for a period in excess of 10 years, resulting in the use being considered lawful and exempt from any enforcement action being taken.

The inspector allowed the appeal against the refusal to grant a certificate of lawfulness by Croydon Council, placing ‘significant weight’ upon the provision of three separate statutory declarations. In a comprehensive evaluation of the case, the inspector not only recognized the compelling nature of the statutory declarations but also underscored their pivotal role in confirming the genuine and longstanding nature of the sites usage.

The Inspector concluded that “The Council’s refusal to grant a certificate of lawful use or development in respect of use as car park for occupants and visitors of the property was not well-founded and that the appeal should succeed” and the appeal allowed.

This decision not only sets a persuasive precedent for future appeals but also highlights the crucial importance of robust and well-documented statutory declarations in navigating the legal intricacies of the planning system successfully.

If you would like our help to appeal a planning decision, or for any other planning related advice, please contact us using the form below. Alternatively, email mail@brodieplanning.co.uk or telephone 01242 898 368.

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To browse more projects and schemes the team at BPA have undertaken, please use the button below, or navigate to our projects page.

Neighbourhood Planning: Pre-submission Regulation 14 Consultation for the Sedgeberrow Neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood Planning: Pre-submission Regulation 14 Consultation for the Sedgeberrow Neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood Planning: Regulation 16 Consultation for the Norton-Juxta-Kempsey (NJK) Neighbourhood Plan commences on Friday 21st May and runs until 5pm on Friday 2nd July.

The Plan can be reviewed and any comments made via the following link to Wychavon District Council (WDC) – https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/norton-juxta-kempsey-neighbourhood-plan Hard copies are also available from Pershore Library and at the Council Offices in the Civic Centre, Pershore.

The NJK steering group have worked hard to progress their Plan to this point and with only two more stages in the process after the Reg 16 consultation – Examination & Referendum – the journeys end is in sight.

We’re Hiring!

Brodie Planning Associates are seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious ‘Planner’ or ‘Senior Planner’ to join our team of friendly professionals.

We are a small but well-established practice, with a thorough understanding of the planning process and a proven track record for securing planning permission for challenging sites. Our projects come in all shapes and sizes, including many substantial and prestigious developments, as well as smaller but complex proposals where our planning input adds significant value. Our clients are similarly diverse and range from national developers, housing associations and country estates, through to small businesses, farmers and private individuals. The vast majority of our projects are from repeat business or on recommendation, endorsing the high-quality of our work.

We are looking for MRTPI-qualified candidates (or actively working towards accreditation) who have private-sector or local government experience. A clear understanding of planning matters and excellent communication skills, including report writing, is vital. The ideal candidate will need to be adept at both team and individual working and will need to be confident in client-facing situations. Drive and enthusiasm are important qualities to help this expanding consultancy continue to prosper.

The remuneration package includes a competitive salary, pension contributions, birthday leave in addition to annual leave entitlement, and a discretionary annual bonus, as well as paid membership subscriptions and CPD events, and excellent career progression opportunities. We also operate a flexible working policy, allowing employees choice, freedom, and flexibility as to where, when and how they work, balancing personal, team and client requirements.

To discuss the role informally and confidentially please contact Wendy Hopkins, Company Director on 01242-898368 or 07900-243414. Alternatively, please email your CV to wendy@brodieplanning.co.uk

Neighbourhood Planning: Regulation 16 Consultation for the Norton-Juxta-Kempsey (NJK) Neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood Planning: Regulation 16 Consultation for the Norton-Juxta-Kempsey (NJK) Neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood Planning: Regulation 16 Consultation for the Norton-Juxta-Kempsey (NJK) Neighbourhood Plan commences on Friday 21st May and runs until 5pm on Friday 2nd July.

The Plan can be reviewed and any comments made via the following link to Wychavon District Council (WDC) – https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/planning/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/norton-juxta-kempsey-neighbourhood-plan Hard copies are also available from Pershore Library and at the Council Offices in the Civic Centre, Pershore.

The NJK steering group have worked hard to progress their Plan to this point and with only two more stages in the process after the Reg 16 consultation – Examination & Referendum – the journeys end is in sight.