One Blackfriars - Planning Statement FINAL VERSION - Southwark ...

CBRE | ST GEORGE SOUTH LONDON LTD7.0 Planning Policy OverviewNATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK (NPPF)7.7 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on the 27 th March2012. It consolidates national planning guidance into a single document (andtechnical appendices) and replaces all Planning Policy Guidance Notes and PlanningPolicy Statements with the exception of PPS10.7.8 At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Forplan-making, this means local planning authorities should positively seekopportunities to meet the development needs of their area, for decision-taking thismeans approving development proposals that accord with the development planwithout delay. The NPPF encourages the re-use and redevelopment of previouslydeveloped land and the more efficient use of land through bringing back intoresidential use empty housing and buildings in line with local housing and emptyhomes strategies.7.9 The NPPF identifies that the purpose of the planning system is to achieve sustainabledevelopment which comprises three strands - economic, social and environmental: an economic role – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitiveeconomy by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the rightplaces and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifyingand coordinating development requirements, including the provision ofinfrastructure; a social role – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providingthe supply of housing required to meet the needs of present and futuregenerations; and by creating a high quality built environment, with accessiblelocal services that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, socialand cultural well-being; and an environmental role – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural,built and historic environment; including improving biodiversity, use naturalresources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt toclimate change including moving to a low carbon economy.7.10 At paragraph 9, the NPPF identifies that pursuing sustainable development involves“seeking positive improvements in the quality of the built, natural and historicenvironment, as well as in people’s quality of life, including (but not limited to): making it easier for jobs to be created in cities, towns and villages; moving from a net loss of bio-diversity to achieving net gains for nature; replacing poor design with better design; improving the conditions in which people live, work, travel and take leisure; and widening the choice of high quality homes.”7.11 Paragraph 14 identifies that at the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour ofsustainable development. For decision-taking this means approving developmentproposals that accord with the development plan without delay.7.12 A summary of key relevant NPPF policies is included in the Appendix A.Page 18PLANNING POLICY OVERVIEW