Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has asked the Planning Inspectorate to apply the government’s revised planning framework consistently when deciding appeals and applications.
Pennycook’s letter, dated 6 October and published on Wednesday, asks Planning Inspectorate chief executive Graham Stallwood to circulate it to inspectors handling planning appeals and directly submitted applications.
The new National Planning Policy Framework was published on 17 August. Pennycook said its revised presumption in favour of sustainable development was intended to make decisions more certain, consistent and streamlined.
Subject to specified exemptions, the framework supports development within existing settlements by default. It also establishes clearer rules for development outside settlements, including where a council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites.
For proposals supported in principle, inspectors are told that permission should normally be granted unless the adverse effects substantially outweigh the benefits. The framework also directs decision-makers to give substantial weight to homes meeting evidenced local need and to commercial development that enables businesses to invest or expand.
Pennycook acknowledged the Inspectorate’s independent role but said its decisions would be central to translating the new framework into faster housing delivery and economic growth.
