New Report!
GREYING THE GREENBELT

COMMUNITY PLANNING ALLIANCE
THE UNNECESSARY MAKING OF A GREY, UNPLEASANT LAND

Greying the Greenbelt FINALOct2025.pdf - Google Drive https://drive.google.com/file/d/13C8XgJoc8-25px2WX88xsNUVzkI-4km7/view

#NPPF #Labour #Planning

Matthew notes that the government’s assertion, that “The worsening affordability of homes is the best evidence that supply is failing to keep up with demand”, is “an assumption, exhibiting all the hallmarks of confirmational bias, and is not backed up by any evidence at all.” Or in other words, propaganda.

More on #NPPF – questionable assumptions | Steady State Manchester
https://steadystatemanchester.net/2025/02/18/more-on-nppf-questionable-assumptions/
#planning #propaganda #growthism

The more you look at Labour's #planning policy, the more stupid it is.
Post I wrote (with SSM collective members) on the new #NPPF.
It's an open letter to #Labour MPs in #GreaterManchester (to ignore), which includes at least 3 #cabinet ministers and some other front benchers.
Do share, especially, but not only, if you are their constituent.
https://mstdn.social/@steadystatemcr/113854408024836530

"A massive building programme is not actually required to create the number of homes needed"
"Those houses to be built by the developers will not solve the housing crisis."
"The NPPF is not just about housing. It also covers building for other purposes, and large infrastructure projects are part of that. Some things are clearly necessary [but] others are being prioritiseed but others are antagonistic to Net Zero."

Open Letter about #NPPF to GM Labour MPs

https://steadystatemanchester.net/2025/01/17/open-letter-about-nppf-to-gm-labour-mps/

Protection of green space isn't just for 'nimbys'.
78 % of people believe it is important for the government’s housebuilding strategy to protect nature and green spaces, only 4% believe it is not important.
Support is consistent among Labour (83%), Conservative (86%), Liberal Democrat (85%), Reform (83%) and Green Party (84%) voters.
69 %support a ‘brownfield-first’ policy, with just 6% opposing.

Latest News | Community Planning Alliance https://www.communityplanningalliance.org/latest-news.html
#NPPF

On UK government's fantasy build targets:
"There are just under 700,000 empty and unfurnished homes in England, according to the most recent government figures.
"Of those, 261,471 are classed as "long-term empty," meaning no-one has lived there for six months or more.
"But bringing derelict and abandoned properties back to life can be a long and complex process."
Longer than relying on developers to deliver?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdx9gypeqdpo
#NPPF

On the day the government announces the new #NPPF to trash #GreenSpace, we learn of
"Hundreds of homes sitting empty in Stockport despite 12-year housing wait" - Manchester Evening News https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hundreds-homes-sitting-empty-stockport-30565118?utm_source=men_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=auto_politics_newsletter&utm_content=&utm_term=&ruid=ac1cde6a-c79a-4590-ae2f-e240b41574b7&hx=7c53818414ac570efbf2eec4dd9d543dcf73e5af8f856f8df89827e7dcd6cf53

Just had an initial look at this #NPPF consultation. If anything it's worse than we thought!

Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system - GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system#chapter-9--supporting-green-energy-and-the-environment

Because this is what we'll get from #ukLabour's #planning changes, "Little boxes, in the country, ....."

Persimmon ups housebuilding forecast amid optimism over Labour plans | Persimmon | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/aug/08/persimmon-housebuilding-forecast-labour-plans

#DevelopersCharter #NPPF

Labour will encourage more building.
But what's behind it? What are the problems with it, and what's the alternative?
My new piece unpicks the key issues.

Build Build Build for Growth Growth Growth? | on @steadystatemcr

https://steadystatemanchester.net/2024/07/18/build-build-build-for-growth-growth-growth/

#press #policy #housing #planning #NPPF #GreenBelt #Labour #PropertyLobby

The king's speech confirmed that Labour will encourage more building.
But what's behind it? What are the problems with it, and what's the alternative?
My new piece unpicks the key issues.

Build Build Build for Growth Growth Growth? | Steady State Manchester
https://steadystatemanchester.net/2024/07/18/build-build-build-for-growth-growth-growth/

#press #policy #housing #planning #NPPF #GreenBelt #Labour #PropertyLobby

The Tory government consulted on removing this restriction when it revised the #NPPF. They left it in.

They also consulted on the idea of mandatory assessments of #EmbodiedCarbon in building proposals. We offered evidence and methodology.
They left that out.

Now #Labour must bring this in. How else can they try to square 'build build build' with #NetZero carbon ?
They can't.

Labour lifts Tories’ ‘absurd’ ban on onshore windfarms | Wind power | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/08/labour-lifts-ban-onshore-windfarms-planning-policy

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
#NPPF
There should be an update of the Planning Policy Guidance soon too?
Also a ministerial letter.
Some headlines:
Less pressure on #GreenBelt Slight easing of bonkers housing targets, sanctions on #developers that #landbank when have planning permission.

#Planning

Government response to (England) National Planning Policy Framework consultation comes out today.
#NPPF

Gove's big initiative - #NPPF #planning #England. reforms. Consultation closed in March. I wonder if a response will see the light of day.

"Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: Reforms to National Planning Policy - Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities" -https://consult.levellingup.gov.uk/planning-policy-and-reform/levelling-up-and-regeneration-bill-reforms-to-nati/

Open the thread to find a shortcut way to make your response. It's our template of answers. Just pick and edit the ones you want and email to the consultation address. All links provided at the link.
#NPPF closing today.

TODAY. Last day to respond to the #NPPF England consultation on planning.

Closes tomorrow.
Please do make a response. If time is short, using our template you could just focus on Q39, carbon.

Deadline 2 MARCH, that's Thursday!

Time is getting short to respond to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation (England).
We've provided a response template for you to use in constructing your own response..... Slightly updated and corrected version at the link now.

https://steadystatemanchester.net/2023/02/08/respond-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-consultation/
#Planning #England #LevellingUpBill #NPPF​

Oh look, just as the #NPPF consultation draws to a close, the developer lobby group, #HBF tries to scare, ghosting this piece.
The present govt targets are grossly inflated and have nothing to do with the housing crisis.
Respond to the consultation:
https://steadystatemanchester.net/2023/02/08/respond-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-consultation/

A reminder, everyone. Deadline for #NPPF consultation is 2 March.
We've made it easy for you.