URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1409

Decision Maker: Planning and Development

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report updating Committee on a consultation recently published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) relating to reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system. The deadline for responses to the consultation was 10th March 2026.   The preamble to the consultation stated that the government was committed to tackling the country’s housing crisis. As such the consultation invited views on significant structural improvements to the Framework, as well as how they could most effectively manage a potential transition from the current non-statutory approach to the introduction of statutory National Development Management Policies.   The twelve most significant reforms were summarised as follows:   1.     A permanent presumption in favour of suitably located development. 2.     Building homes around stations. 3.     Driving urban and suburban densification. 4.     Securing a diverse mix of homes. 5.     Supporting small and medium sites. 6.     Streamlining local standards. 7.     Boosting local and regional economies. 8.     Supporting critical and growth minerals. 9.     Embedding a vision-led approach to transport. 10.  Better addressing climate change. 11.  Conserving and enhancing the natural environment. 12.  Taking a more positive approach to the use of heritage assets.   The questions were appended to the report with suggested responses provided for Committee approval.   At the meeting, Members discussed flooding concerns and development around train stations and put forward suggestions to be incorporated into the responses. Members supported the consultation response and thanked Officers for the detailed report.   Councillor M Graveston left and returned to the meeting during the debate.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   1.     Noted the proposed reforms and authorised the Director of Economic Development and Planning to submit a response to the consultation based on the suggested answers attached at Appendix 1 to the report.   2.     Approved that authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development and Planning, in consultation with the Chair of P&D Committee, to undertake drafting of any minor amendments/updates required to the Council’s consultation response prior to submission.        

Date of Decision: February 5, 2026