The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) makes an initial response to the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the Government yesterday, 24 July 2018.
RIBA President Ben Derbyshire says:
“The RIBA’s welcomes the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by Government yesterday. Time and the fulfilment of these proposals will be the real test for the NPPF. But we are pleased to see commitments to the Climate Change Act, to Garden City principles and that our call for increased transparency in viability tests has been formally incorporated. We will now be urging Government to closely monitor confidentiality exemptions to ensure this is not abused.
“The Government have also highlighted the importance of quality design to address any concerns about the potential impact of higher density development and the importance of well-designed housing generally. The RIBA welcomes this awareness and urges further action on how to design high density homes that are desirable. This includes urging the Government to give planners the resources, tools and power to raise the bar of quality design in the system.
“It is vital that we now ensure these proposals make a real impact on the quality of the built environment. The new NPPF must be accompanied by appropriate guidance for local planning departments on proactive placemaking that delivers sustainable wellbeing as well as aesthetic quality. We will continue to work with the enhanced team now at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and local Government to help get this right.”