In our previous ‘In Layman’s Terms’ blog post, we touched upon ‘What is the NPPF?’. This time around we’ll look to tackle one of the key new changes to the NPPF…the ‘Transitional Arrangements’.
As mentioned previously, the new NPPF is intent on steering the planning system in a ‘development-positive’ direction, with a more flexible approach towards Green Belt land and prioritisation of housing delivery; as part of the Government’s momentous push to tackling the housing crisis. No pressure then!
Although we have explored the implications of the NPPF ‘on paper’, the question remains – how will the Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) respond to these new challenges and pressures ‘in practice’? It’s very much the ‘horse before the cart’ situation…
Annex 1 of the new NPPF is most relevant here and the ‘devil is very much in the detail’! To help better explain what it’s trying to say, let’s break it down into a few (hopefully more simplistic) bullet points and a flow diagram (everyone loves one of those!). In short, Annex 1 relating to the ‘Transitional Arrangements’:
- Enables LPAs to progress their current Local Plans, as long as they produce a final ‘draft’ Local Plan (formally known as ‘Regulation 19’) on/before 12th March 2025. Implications: In effect, this provides a three-month grace period for LPAs to get on and submit their Local Plans for Examination since the new NPPF has come into effect.
- Prevents LPAs with less than an 80% housing need requirement against the new Local Housing Need figures (also known as the ‘Standard Method’ figures) from sitting on their Local Plan once it is published.Implications: If an emerging Local Plan’s housing requirement is 20% lower than the numbers required under their Local Housing Needs, then they will need to commence a new Local Plan with the new housing figures. These LPAs should begin work on a new Local Plan with the new Local Housing Need figures with immediate effect and from 1 July 2026, an additional one year housing supply must be provided if the LPAs haven’t updated their Local Plan by then.
To summarise, ‘in practice’, LPAs at an earlier stage of the Local Plan process, who fall short of the housing requirement will have to revise their numbers (likely upwards!) to meet the new Government’s housing targets. LPAs that fall into this bracket will likely become a ‘hunting ground’ for speculative planning applications in the short-term with the development industry taking full advantage of the new housing uplift!
LPAs that have progressed to the later stages of their plan-making (i.e. Examination), on or before 12th March 2025 can continue on with their lower housing requirement but will be required to begin work on a new Local Plan immediately.
In addition, from 1 July 2026 those LPAs which have successfully passed their Plan through under the old Local Housing Need figures (and whose housing requirement is 20% lower than the numbers required under their Local Housing Needs) will be required to provide an additional years’ housing supply over the standard five year requirement (so, in effect, a six-year supply!). The impact is therefore HUGE for short-term consequences on housing delivery! Inevitably, we will likely see a scamper to the 12th March finish line for many LPAs across the country!
Need help navigating these changes? Our team of planning consultants can guide you through the new NPPF rules, ensuring your project has the best chance of success.
Get in touch with us today on 01344 508048 or email office@etplanning.co.uk to discuss your planning strategy.
