BackMPs call for planning framework changes
As Living Streets continues to put pressure on the Government to ensure that the new national planning policy framework supports walking-friendly neighbourhoods, an influential commitee of MPs has recommended significant changes should be made to the policy before the final version is published in spring 2012.
The House of Commons Communities and Local Government Select Committee, to which Living Streets submitted evidence, criticised the draft Framework as containing 'significant gaps' and 'inconsistent drafting'. The committee's main concerns included the idea that the 'default answer to new development should be yes', which they recommended for removal from the final document, and the need for a credible definition of 'sustainable development' - both points on which Living Streets and our partners have spoken out.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said 'Living Streets was particularly concerned that the warm words on sustainable transport in the draft would be overridden by a default presumption in favour of development. When a massive 13,700 responses were received to the government's consultation on the draft policy earlier this year, it showed how strongly people feel that national planning policy should be well thought-through. The committee's report will put more pressure on the government to absorb the responses thoroughly and make changes, and will help Living Streets continue to make the case for safe, attractive, enjoyable streets and neighbourhoods to be at the heart of planning policy and guidance.'
Published on: 21/12/2011
