We’ve updated the Local Plan Route Toolkit to reflect all of the recent changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The toolkit is freely available for LPAs to use to undertake a review and update of local plan policies.
There is just under a month left to apply to the LGA's Housing Advisers Programme for 2021/22. The programme is designed to support councils seeking to innovate in meeting the housing needs of their communities. Councils can apply for up to £20,000 from the programme for their housing projects with the purpose of securing expert advice in transforming how a service or partnership meets the housing need of communities. Applications for this year’s programme closes at 5pm on 15 November. If you have any queries please email housingadvisers@local.gov.uk.
A reminder that councils have a statutory requirement to publish their second Infrastructure Funding Statement (IFS) for the financial year 2020/21 by 31 December. We have published guidance to help you with this and if you need any advice do get in touch at pas@local.gov.uk.
Earlier this month we helped Natural England introduce their Biodiversity Metric 3.0. The event was a mix of training and extended Q&A, and you can see a recording of it along with the slides from the event on our BNG 3.0 events page. If you couldn't be in the room it is well worth your time and covers the range from basic principles right through to useful hints and tips.
This month on the unofficial blog Richard reflects on the thorny issue of nutrient neutrality. While only a few councils have thus far been served an advice note from Natural England, perhaps we should all get a bit smarter about how we factor the environmental into our thinking.
We've managed to add a few extra places on our annual PAS Head of Planning Conference in Wolverhampton on 27th & 28th January 2022 but they are going fast!
We are down to having the last few spaces available so book your place before they have all gone.
The Government's National Infrastructure Planning Reform Programme will refresh how the regime operates, seeking to ensure the UK’s vital infrastructure is:
- Better - valuing the wider economic, social and environmental benefits of a project;
- Greener - satisfying the requirements of the net zero commitment and biodiversity net gain;
- Faster - simplifying and shortening the processes, whilst maintaining integrity.
To help inform their review of the NSIP process, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities invite you to respond to this survey. Questions regarding the survey or the wider reform programme, can be directed to InfrastructurePlanning@communities.gov.uk.
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