New planning opportunities for farmers with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

Fri 13 Dec 2024

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was revised and published yesterday 12 December 2024. Lauren Chamberlin, our planning and development expert, outlines the significant changes that make it the perfect time for Lincolnshire landowners to revisit projects or consider new ones.

While the NPPF primarily focuses on increasing housing supply, it could also have some benefits for people in rural areas seeking planning permission:

The NPPF consultation outcome reintroduces mandatory housing targets for local authorities, aiming to accelerate housebuilding and address the housing shortage. This aligns with local council aspirations as both East Lindsey and West Lindsey state securing more housing as their strategic priorities.

While nationally significant, the changes to the Green Belt will not affect Lincolnshire per se, as we have little or no designated Green Belt land. Planning and development in the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape (previously known as the AONB) is expected to remain unchanged with the protection of our unspoilt rural landscape still high on the government agenda.

However, the new policy also pledges support for economic growth in key sectors, aligned with their industrial strategy and future local growth plans, including laboratories, gigafactories, datacentres, digital economies and freight and logistics.

Planning will be more likely supported if it delivers community needs to support society and the creation of healthy places; and importantly for Lincolnshire, the policy mentions support for clean energy and the environment, including through support for onshore wind and renewables.

In addition, the government has pledged to streamline the planning process to make it faster and more efficient for those seeking development permission, which could be beneficial for rural areas whose planning process has at times been challenging.

“The impact of the new NPPF on planning decisions for our clients in Lincolnshire will ultimately depend on how local planning authorities interpret and implement the policies, but I feel optimistic and look forward to speaking with clients looking to explore planning opportunities. As always, we’re here to help.”

For a chat about potential planning and development opportunities, please call
Lauren Chamberlin, BSc (Hons) | Rural Property Agent| Renewables | Planning & Development on 01507 350511 or email her.