The recent revision to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by Government is the first since 2012 and it introduces a number of reforms which will have implications for those with land and development interests in rural areas. Here we take a look at some of the opportunities presented by the policy.

One key change is that there is now a requirement for local planning authorities to identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, particularly where this would help to support local service provision. This represents stronger support for development at villages than we have seen previously, which should result in an increase in the number of housing sites allocated in villages and perhaps overall a more supportive policy context for village development.

The Government has also bolstered the weight to be given to Neighbourhood Plan policies when determining planning applications. It confirms that areas with Neighbourhood Plans in place will benefit from a greater level of protection against speculative developments, but only where such plans outline their own policies and allocations to meet housing needs in their areas.

As such this is likely to create opportunities for landowners to promote land for allocation in Neighbourhood Plans as communities will be keen to benefit from the additional protection against speculative developments.

There is now acceptance that the needs of rural businesses cannot always be met within or adjoining settlements or in areas well served by public transport. As such the NPPF requires Local Plan policies to allow for this in order to support rural economies and specifically forbids local authorities from applying the ‘sequential test’ (that is, giving priority to town centres and urban areas) when considering applications for small-scale rural development.

The NPPF also introduces a new concept of entry-level exception sites adjacent to existing settlements which will be aimed at meeting the needs of first time buyers and those looking to rent their first home (that is, homes for discounted sale or affordable rent).

It is encouraging to see that the Government is giving greater support to rural development in this updated NPPF, which will allow rural communities and businesses to grow and prosper in the future.

Further information

Contact Savills Rural Development