Planners train their sights on policy framework

摘要

Everyone connected with development seems to have a view on the National Planning Policy Framework. To some it is the pro-growth policy the UK needs to get back on its feet. To others it is a mandate to concrete over the countryside and turn it into one huge Tesco. Onegrouphassofar been absent from thediscussion: local planning officers - the men and women who will actually have to implement the framework on stretched resources. Planners broke their silence last Monday at an event on the National Planning Policy Framework in London hosted by the Planning Officers Society. The conference gave planners the chance to talk directly to Bob Neill, parliamentary under-secretary for communities and local government, and his civil servants who are implementing the framework.The society's members welcomed the framework, but expressed concern that some policies, as drafted at present, could run counter to the aim of simplifying the planning system.