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National Planning Policy Framework Updated

Updated: Dec 10, 2021

Amendments were made to the NPPF yesterday (Tuesday 20th July 2021) to reflect emerging government policy positions.


DJB Partners Nigel Hewitson and Yohanna Weber outline the key policies in question:

  • Introducing a requirement for buildings to comply with local design guides and more generally to be “beautiful” in line with the government response recommendations of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’s 2020 report;

  • Encouraging more trees in new developments - including “tree-lined streets”;

  • Greater restrictions on Art 4 directions intended to limit Permitted Development Rights to change use to residential;

  • Requirement to improve biodiversity as part of design, not just incorporate measures; and

  • Emphasising the importance of the retention in situ of statues where possible.


“The amendments to the NPPF present no real surprises. The changes have all been presaged in recent government policy announcements. But if you are preparing an application, report, statement or proof of evidence not only will you need to add in references to the new provisions as appropriate, you’ll need to re-visit your NPPF references generally as all paragraph numbers from para 54 onwards have changed - again!” - Nigel Hewitson

 

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ABOUT DAVITT JONES BOULD

As the largest, most experienced law firm specialising in real estate in the UK, we have been trusted advisors to the real estate market for 25 years. We have over 75 lawyers, all of whom joined us from senior in-house or private practice roles, and bring an average of 25 years’ post qualification experience each. With their expertise and commercial experience, we advise a prestigious client base in the public and private sector on the full spectrum of real estate legal issues, including commercial property, planning, property litigation, construction, environment, real estate finance and other related areas. Operating in our specialist area uniquely positions us to help other professional firms, and through our Real Estate Support solution we support teams in the silver circle, UK Top 30, US Top 50, the Big Four and beyond.

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