The Government have published (13 February 2024) a consultation seeking views on how national planning policy can be updated and strengthened to support the Governments’ approach to brownfield development.
The Government recognise the barriers faced in developing brownfield land, which can reduce the attractiveness of brownfield sites, particularly for small and medium sized enterprises. Consequently, the Government are considering how they can strengthen planning support for brownfield development, and further incentivise the effective and efficient use of brownfield land.
The Government are proposing a change to national planning policy that would expect local planning authorities to give significant weight to the benefits of delivering as many homes as possible, especially where this involves land which is previously developed (brownfield sites). Furthermore, that local planning authorities should take a flexible approach in applying planning policies or guidance relating to the internal layout of development in these circumstances, where they would otherwise inhibit the most efficient use of a site.
The Government are also proposing to apply the presumption in favour of sustainable development to brownfield applications in major town and cities, where their Housing Delivery Test score falls to 95% or below. The proposed change would introduce an additional presumption trigger of 95% on previously developed land, but this would only apply to those 19 local authorities and all London Boroughs subject to the urban uplift.
This consultation is open until 11:45pm on 26 March 2024. If you require assistance with making representation in response to this consultation or would like any further information as to how it might affect your brownfield site, do get in touch with a member of the Bloomfields team.
