NIMBY's with their knickers in a twist...

Well Simon Jenkins does anyway. He warns his readers "... the government this week sneaked out the most astonishing change to the face of England in half a century. A "national planning policy framework" replaces all previous regulation and encourages building wherever the market takes it.

So what changes in the new Draft National Planning Policy Framework? Do Town Planners stop producing their little 5 year plans? Is the green belt going? Are NIMBY conservation zones to become a thing of the past? The answers are no, no and no.

Page 7:

Each local planning authority should produce a Local Plan for its area ... Local Plans should be aspirational but realistic. They should address the spatial implications of economic, social and environmental change. Local Plans should set out the opportunities for development and clear guidance on what will or will not be permitted and where.

Page 38:

The Government attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl ... The general extent of Green Belts across the country is already established. It should not be necessary to designate new Green Belts except in exceptional circumstances. If proposing a new Green Belt, local planning authorities should ...

Page 50:

Local planning authorities should set out a strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats ... The principles and policies set out in this section apply to the heritage-related consent regimes for which planning authorities are responsible under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, as well as to plan-making and development management decisions.

I really can't see what Mr Jenkins has his knickers in such a twist about. It doesn't look to me like all that much is changing!