Planning and Localism - What will it mean?

For the last few weeks I have been trying to come up with a few salient points about the new National Planning Policy framework and what does the localism agenda mean for planning. I am still not sure I have any clear answers. However, it does seem to me that the tone of the NPPF is at odds with the whole premise of localism.


Localism implies that local people and thir political leaders will have a big choice in what development goes forward. The NPPF is much more bullish in expecting virtually all development to proceed - oh yes ... if it is sustainable! Now there is a debate that could go on and on and on.

A supermarket development near my house ...
my view:  clearly it is unsustainable, it will cause a massive increase in car journeys, congestion, extra pressure on water and sewage infrastructure, reduction in the vitality of the town centre;

developers view - clearly sustainable, increase in jobs.

What does it mean if local people believe they have the ability to say no to development and then find they can't.  This will rapidly lead to a loss of trust by the community, delays in planning and a return to planning by appeal. Ultimately uncertainty in the planning system and a reduction in the delivered new development.

We have big infrastructure projects that must be delivered, energy, waste roads, ICT. Uncertainties in planning will have a huge impact on the economy. The pot holes in the road ahead are getting bigger.