In this episode, Urban Forecast explores the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with Danielle St Pierre, co-founder of Hybrid Planning and Development. Covering critical topics like brownfield regeneration, grey belt opportunities, and housing targets, Danielle breaks down how these policies affect local authorities and housing supply. We discuss sustainable urban growth, affordable housing challenges, and the potential of the “brownfield passport” to streamline planning approvals - essential insights for anyone invested in the future of UK urban development.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Brownfield and Grey Belt Opportunities: The new NPPF creates avenues for developing brownfield sites and grey belt areas adjacent to existing settlements, aiming to meet housing demands sustainably.

Housing Targets and Five-Year Land Supply: With reintroduced housing targets and the five- year land supply requirement, local authorities face increasing pressure to allocate sufficient land for development.

Planning Flexibility: The introduction of Section 73B permits broader amendments to existing planning permissions, helping developers adapt to changing regulations without starting over.

Brownfield Passport: This new initiative aims to streamline the approval process for brownfield sites, giving developers more certainty and reducing upfront documentation requirements.

Sustainable Urban Extensions: The NPPF now encourages urban extensions as part of a strategy to address housing shortages, particularly in areas with limited greenfield availability.

Green Belt Regulation Shift: The shift towards “grey belt” allows specific green belt areas with existing infrastructure to be considered for development, with stipulations for affordable housing.

Retrofit Policy and Urban Sustainability: While retrofit policies aren’t fully integrated into the NPPF, the emphasis on sustainable urban development highlights the need for national guidance.

Challenges in Reaching Housing Goals: Achieving the Labour government’s target of 1.5 million homes remains complex, as the private and public sectors face significant market and regulatory hurdles.

BEST MOMENTS

"The reintroduction of housing targets puts the pressure back on local authorities to maintain a five-year land supply—crucial for meeting growing demand."

"Brownfield passports could be a game-changer, reducing red tape and giving developers more certainty in the planning process."

"‘Grey belt’ development opens up new possibilities for affordable housing but comes with requirements that may challenge long-term viability."

"The market dictates how many homes get built. Planning reform alone won’t hit 1.5 million homes without greater public sector support."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Hybrid Planning & Development
National Planning Policy Framework

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ABOUT THE HOSTS

Jon Ackroyd and Oliver Lowrie, the visionary hosts of Urban Forecast, bring their expertise from leading their innovative practice, Ackroyd Lowrie. Known for pushing the boundaries in urban design, Jon and Oliver use their podcast to delve into the future of cities, sharing insights from their work on projects that emphasise sustainability, community, and transformative architecture. Through Urban Forecast, they engage listeners with discussions on how
architecture and design shape urban living, aiming to inspire new ways of thinking about the spaces around us.

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