Weekly planning news

Pennycook to ‘consider’ strengthening nature restoration fund

Matthew Pennycook has pledged to explore ways to provide clearer assurances about the positive impacts of the Nature Restoration Fund, following the defeat of a proposed amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill by a Labour backbencher seeking stronger conservation measures.

The amendment, put forward by Labour MP Chris Hinchcliff, aimed to ensure ecological improvements are delivered before development begins. This proposal echoed warnings from the Office for Environmental Protection, and calls from ecologists for greater environmental accountability. Its rejection highlights the government’s continued preference for post-development mitigation measures, despite concerns about interim habitat loss.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill would grant Natural England new powers to create Environmental Delivery Plans for defined geographic areas. These plans are intended to set out strategic actions to address the impacts of development on protected sites and species - going beyond current approaches to support long-term nature recovery.

This debate comes amid broader industry concerns around the bill’s overall commitment to nature conservation.

For those interested in the intersection of nature and planning, an exclusive report published earlier this year explores the challenges of implementing Biodiversity Net Gain policy. Visit our website to read the full report.¹

Future Homes Standard to include rooftop solar as standard

New homes will soon be built with rooftop solar panels as standard under proposed changes to the Future Homes Standard.

Due this autumn, the government’s updated standard is designed to future-proof all new builds with energy-efficient measures - now confirmed to include solar energy. This means almost all new homes will be required to have solar panels installed.

By updating building regulations, the government aims to place solar at the heart of new home design. The move follows a series of recent announcements aimed at boosting sustainability across the sector. In April, changes were introduced to permitted development rights for heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers.

The wider ambition is to make low-carbon technology more accessible, helping households cut emissions and energy bills. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has highlighted the potential cost savings that come with these changes.

For more on what the Future Homes Standard means for planning and development, visit our Sustainability Hub.²

National Audit Office says developers can ‘manipulate’ planning system to reduce infrastructure contributions

A report by the National Audit Office (NAO)³ has highlighted challenges within England’s planning system that may allow developers to negotiate lower financial contributions toward local infrastructure. The watchdog noted that differences in capacity and expertise between public and private sectors can make it difficult to fully scrutinize viability assessments - important tools used to establish contributions under Section 106 agreements.

The report highlights a notable skills shortage in local authority planning departments, with the number of public sector chartered town planners declining by 25% between 2013 and 2020, while the private sector grew by two-thirds during the same period. This imbalance has impacted councils’ ability to effectively challenge viability assessments, especially against developers who have access to specialist consultants and legal expertise.

Other findings include unspent developer contributions, a reduction in housing association demand for affordable housing, and a lack of up-to-date government data to assess whether the current system is delivering its intended benefits.

To address these issues, the NAO recommends introducing standardised Section 106 templates, reviewing the use and transparency of viability assessments, and examining potential conflicts of interest involving consultants representing both developers and councils. The report also calls on the government to evaluate and strengthen planning capacity.

The government is expected to publish updated viability guidance later this year.

1. https://www.terraquest.co.uk/news-and-insights/biodiversity-net-gain-the-story-so-far
2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/sustainability-and-planning/the-future-homes-standard/summary
3. https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/improving-local-areas-through-developer-funding/