Consultation on the NPPF finished on 17 October 2011. There has been a high rate of response, of about 14,000 responses and the debate has certainly polarised opinion! The Planning Inspectorate initially stated that the draft NPPF was a material consideration and “gives a clear indication of the Government’s `direction of travel’ in planning policy”. They withdrew that statement in September, and their guidance now states “It is a consultation document and, therefore, subject to potential amendment. It is capable of being a material consideration, although the weight to be given to it will be a matter for the decision maker in each particular case. The current Planning Policy Statements, Guidance notes and Circulars remain in place until cancelled.”

Further to our recent blog on localism and comunity rebewables we write further on the broader process of developing a project.

Latest updates from our EIA department

Localism aims to devolve power from central government to communities. What power will communities gain?