What Sussex needs from planning reforms

Call for focus on affordable housing, brownfield development and support for nature recovery as consultation on planning reforms ends.

CPRE Sussex has called for a brownfield-first approach and a rapid transition to a Net Zero power system in its response to proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

CPRE Sussex also calls for ‘golden rules’ around affordable housing, access to infrastructure and access to nature to be applied to all greenfield development, not just Green Belt land.

A public consultation on the proposals – potentially the biggest shake up the NPPF has had in modern times – ends today (24 September).

Director Paul Steedman said: “The NPPF guides decisions around new development and sets out policies on everything from transport and housing to our environment and the countryside. It affects all of us.

“It is crucial the NPPF sets out a positive and ambitious vision for our countryside and new development. It should breathe life back into our countryside, rather than serving only the interests of large, profit-hungry developers. This is a critical moment for our countryside. We urge the Government to recognise the vital role it plays in meeting our nation’s challenges.”

CPRE Sussex submitted its comments in support of a co-ordinated response by the national CPRE charity. It outlines five ways the NPPF can improve:

1. Prioritise genuinely affordable homes.
2. Give brownfield first some teeth.
3. Protect – and enhance – the Green Belt.
4. Protect our landscapes as we transition to renewables.
5. Support nature recovery and strategic land use.

Read more about the impact of proposed planning reforms in Sussex here.

Read more about how CPRE believes the NPPF can improve here.

Read CPRE’s response to the consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework