Achieving sustainable development

Chapter 4 introduces core policies for achieving sustainable development, including a refreshed presumption in favour of sustainable development. It addresses a gap in the current NPPF by establishing national-level locational principles to bring greater consistency to decision-making, reducing the need for development plans to repeat such principles locally.

Producing a spatial strategy

Policy S3 retains the principle that plan-compliant proposals should be approved without delay, replacing the previous "tilt" with new provisions in policies S4 and S5 that direct development to appropriate locations.

Question 36: Do you agree with the revised approach to the presumption in favour of sustainable development?

Strongly agree. The new policy approach is a simpler and clearer way of expressing the presumption. The splitting of the test between development within and outside settlements also is a concept that is easy to understand and something that developers and the public can more easily engage with, as opposed to the previous tilted balance test. 

Principle of development within settlements

Policy S4 supports development in principle within settlements, subject to exceptions where there would be unacceptable impacts – such as conflict with allocated land uses, development of valued undeveloped land, or where other national policies would direct refusal. Proposals should be approved unless their benefits are substantially outweighed by adverse effects, ensuring all relevant national decision-making policies are considered.

Question 37: Do you agree to the proposed approach to development within settlements?

Strongly agree. It places a stronger emphasis on brownfield development and the move to a tilted balance test here, rather than reference to substantial harm, is a clearer and more favourable approach for housing delivery. As well as relaxing the rules for development in the greenbelt, more must be done to facilitate town centre development which is often a more efficient use of land and sustainability. 

Principle of development outside settlements

Policy S5 restricts development outside settlements to specified acceptable types – including rural businesses, development meeting evidenced unmet need, and high-density development near well-connected stations – to prevent unsustainable growth and preserve rural character.

Question 38: Do you agree to the proposed approach to development outside settlements?

Strongly agree. The policy sets out a very clear test that supports housing delivery in sustainable locations outside of town centres, or whether where is clear unmet need (at para (j)). We also welcome the continued policy support for development in ‘grey belt’ locations (albeit with appropriate safeguards), which is already making a meaningly contribution to housing land supply.