RIBA responds to NPPF

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has responded to the government’s newly revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Initially welcoming the revisions, RIBA is cautious about its implementation and has urged the government to support the industry in achieving its aims.

RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said: “The RIBA’s welcomes the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by Government yesterday. Time and the fulfillment of these proposals will be the real test for the NPPF. But we are pleased to see commitments to the Climate Change Act, to Garden City principles and that our call for increased transparency in viability tests has been formally incorporated. We will now be urging Government to closely monitor confidentiality exemptions to ensure this is not abused.

“The Government have also highlighted the importance of quality design to address any concerns about the potential impact of higher density development and the importance of well-designed housing generally. The RIBA welcomes this awareness and urges further action on how to design high density homes that are desirable. This includes urging the Government to give planners the resources, tools and power to raise the bar of quality design in the system.

“It is vital that we now ensure these proposals make a real impact on the quality of the built environment. The new NPPF must be accompanied by appropriate guidance for local planning departments on proactive placemaking that delivers sustainable wellbeing as well as aesthetic quality. We will continue to work with the enhanced team now at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and local Government to help get this right.”

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