On the anniversary of the introduction of the new planning policy framework for England, Friends of the Earth's Planning Campaigner Naomi Luhde-Thompson said:

“Government planning reforms have given free rein to developers to build what they want, where they want – with little regard for local communities or the environment.

“The new planning policy framework has led to the approval of more development, but this could include unaffordable homes with sky-high fuel bills, built on greenfield sites, without access to local amenities or public transport.

“These short-sighted planning reforms should be overhauled to ensure new developments that are needed are properly located and play their part in building the low-carbon future we so urgently need.”

Friends of the Earth is calling for an overhaul of the planning reforms so new developments can meet three key tests:

•       Affordability – any new house-building programmes must provide homes for those most in need and not just benefit the profits of developers. 

•       Future-proofing – new homes must be built to the highest environmental standards. They should be super energy-efficient and fitted with renewable energy systems like solar panels, to tackle soaring fuel bills and climate change. Their impact on scarce water resources must also be considered.

•       Location – new homes must be situated in the right locations to minimise their impact on the environment. They should be sited close to existing amenities and transport links and preferably on brownfield. Changing the use of buildings, e.g. offices into residential properties, could leave communities stranded without local facilities.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Government introduced a new National Planning Policy Framework on 27 March 2012. 

2. Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to research the impact of planning reform and publish a report into the quality, affordability and sustainability of development permissions given in the last year - before conducting any further reform including changes to the remainder of planning guidance.

3. The Growth and Infrastructure Bill introduces new ways for developers in certain situations to bypass local democratic decision-making. The Bill was introduced without prior public consultation in October 2012.