Amendments were made to the NPPF yesterday (Tuesday 20th July 2021) to reflect emerging government policy positions.
DJB Partners Nigel Hewitson and Yohanna Weber outline the key policies in question:
Introducing a requirement for buildings to comply with local design guides and more generally to be “beautiful” in line with the government response recommendations of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission’s 2020 report;
Encouraging more trees in new developments - including “tree-lined streets”;
Greater restrictions on Art 4 directions intended to limit Permitted Development Rights to change use to residential;
Requirement to improve biodiversity as part of design, not just incorporate measures; and
Emphasising the importance of the retention in situ of statues where possible.
“The amendments to the NPPF present no real surprises. The changes have all been presaged in recent government policy announcements. But if you are preparing an application, report, statement or proof of evidence not only will you need to add in references to the new provisions as appropriate, you’ll need to re-visit your NPPF references generally as all paragraph numbers from para 54 onwards have changed - again!” - Nigel Hewitson
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DJB is a national law firm that specialises entirely in real estate. The firm has offices in London, Manchester, and Birmingham ensuring truly national coverage. The firm is renowned for its high quality legal work and service.
We only recruit experienced lawyers with excellent calibre. As a result, our legal team of around 50 lawyers have an average post-qualification experience that exceeds 20 years. Most have joined us from other City firms, in-house departments and/or senior roles. Our lawyers have advised some of the UK’s most significant land owners including Barclays Bank, HSBC, Credit Suisse, Rolls Royce, The Royal Parks, The Cabinet Office and The Crown Estate. This focus on quality only has led to a 50% male and female Partner rate.
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