Decision details

To approve the Council’s submission of the combined Gloucestershire Local Planning Authorities’ response and the Strategic and Local Plan authorities’ response to the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation.

The Government’s consultation on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework has significant implications for Cheltenham Borough Council, both in relation to its own planning policy responsibilities and through its role in the wider Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) process. The Gloucestershire local planning authorities’ joint response supports the intention to simplify and streamline the planning system, but makes clear that national policy must still provide sufficient flexibility to respond to local circumstances. This is particularly important in Gloucestershire, where development decisions are shaped by a combination of landscape, heritage, biodiversity, flood risk and infrastructure constraints. The response also emphasises the need for effective strategic planning, workable transitional arrangements, and the continued ability of local planning authorities to set higher local standards where justified, particularly in relation to climate mitigation, adaptation, energy efficiency, design quality and nature recovery.

The Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) affordable housing response identifies further important implications for Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury. Whilst some aspects of the consultation are welcomed, including clearer expectations around viability and the use of review mechanisms, concern is raised that parts of the proposed framework may weaken affordable housing delivery in practice. In particular, the response highlights risks associated with greater reliance on commuted sums or off-site provision in place of on-site affordable housing, the proposed approach to accessible and adaptable homes, and changes that could reduce affordable housing contributions on medium-sized sites. The response therefore stresses that on-site delivery should remain the starting point wherever possible, as this best supports mixed and balanced communities and helps address immediate housing need.

Approving submission of these responses ensures that Cheltenham Borough Council’s position is reflected within coordinated countywide and Strategic and Local Plan representations to Government. This helps influence the final form of the NPPF so that it better supports sustainable development, protects local discretion where supported by evidence, and provides a stronger basis for delivering affordable homes, resilient infrastructure and climate-responsive growth

Not to submit a response. This option was rejected because it would prevent Cheltenham Borough Council’s views from being represented within an important national consultation and would weaken the co-ordinated Gloucestershire and Strategic and Local Plan position.