News and views: Summer 2024

With a consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) launched last week, the promise of revised national planning policy within 100 days of the election, and some big moves already around housing targets, renewables and a review of the Environment Act, there’s a lot going on.

In his article Planning Director James Ellis unpicks this some more and shares his views on what the implications of some of the proposed changes could be. What is clear is that the government’s focus is on enabling development – particularly housing, but also on driving economic growth so whilst we might not be seeing moves designed explicitly to unlock rural development (although we will be calling for them of course), the direction of travel is clear enough.

Also, in this edition our Estates Lead, Nicky Witchell, interviews David Chismon about the Saffery and Historic Houses report on succession.

Rob Hindle discusses whether the new biodiversity net gain rules are a positive force for nature recovery.

The Country Trust provides an insight into the charity’s first online auction being held this autumn.

And lastly, Sally Ormiston looks at some of the specific opportunities and issues to consider with regard coastal development, prompted by the team reflecting on some of our favourite seaside projects.

It remains all go here at Rural Solutions with lots going on over the summer, but I do hope that for those of you getting away on holiday, the weather is kind wherever you may be.

On this note, if you happen to be in Northumberland, please visit Brocksbushes Farm Shop, a recently completed green belt project which the team has been working on.

William

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