In broad terms, it sets out the purpose of the planning system to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development through economic, social and environmental means, with a presumption in favour of sustainable development through plan making and decision taking.
Key measures that are specific to the housing context include:
- Local planning authorities will be expected to identify and annually update a 5 year supply of land for housing (with a 5-20% buffer depending on previous deliverability)
- For market and affordable housing, illustrate the expected rate of housing delivery through a housing trajectory for the plan period and set out a housing implementation strategy for the full range of housing
- Windfall sites may be allowed within the five year supply where evidence exists that sits have consistently come available in the past
- Local planning authorities should plan for a mix of housing based on current and future demographic trends and the needs of different groups in the community
- Identify the size, type, tenure and range of housing required
- Where affordable housing is needed, set policies for meeting this on-site, unless off-site provision or a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value can be robustly justified
- Identify and bring back into residential use empty housing and building in line with empty homes strategies
- Local planning authorities should consider policies the case for setting out policies to resist inappropriate development of residential gardens.