Planning news – 27 June 2024

Landmark Supreme Court ruling on fossil fuel extraction

The Planner have reported that the Supreme Court overturned a decision made by Surrey County Council to grant permission for new hydrocarbon wells at Horse Hill. Setting a major precedent for fossil fuel extraction and the role of environmental impact assessments (EIA).

Weald Action Group began the legal action against the grant of planning permission, claiming Scope 3 emissions, those downstream from the extraction, such as the refinement and combustion of oil, should be considered in the EIA.

The High Court ruled that the EIA should only address direct environmental impacts, this was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court took a different view on the matter, stating “the council was therefore wrong, in our view, to confine the scope of the assessment, in this case, to direct releases of greenhouse gases that would occur at the project site.”

The judgement has repercussions throughout the sector, with environmental groups rejoicing at the outcome. Sarah Finch, on behalf of Weald Action Group, stated “this is a welcome step towards a safer, fairer future.”

The extent to which the decision will impact wider industry is yet to be clear. It is likely to affect other fossil extraction cases and could potentially reach further into other high pollution projects.

You can read more about the judgement by visiting The Planner.

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The Planning Portal Application Index

We are excited to introduce the Planning Portal Application Index, a comprehensive resource offering in-depth industry insights. Leveraging data from the Planning Portal and expertly curated by TerraQuest, this index provides a thorough analysis of early market indicators impacting the built environment.

This release marks the first in a series of quarterly reports from TerraQuest. Read the first report here.

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SPD for West Midlands town approved

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has adopted a framework masterplan that is intended to open up a key gateway area to the north-west of the town centre.

The masterplan aims to increase cultural and tourism opportunities around William Shakespeare’s connection with the town.

A ‘World Shakespeare Centre’ promoted by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust to celebrate the life and work of the playwright features in the plans, alongside a broader mix of town centre uses and enhanced public realm.

The supplementary planning document (SPD) was developed by Corstorphine & Wright in conjunction with the district council, and consultation with the public. Planning and development consultancy Montagu Evans provided the Historic, Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment report.

Jonathan Tarbatt, director of urban design at Corstorphine & Wright said: “Regenerating this underused and unattractive site will put in place a ‘new piece of town’ for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. The SPD provides assurance that the development comes forward in a coordinated manner that ensures the World Shakespeare Centre, other mixed uses and wider public realm improvements are delivered through a comprehensive framework masterplan taking account of potential phasing scenarios and interim uses.”

Lucy Markham, a partner in Montagu Evans’ historic environment and townscape team added: “Stratford-upon-Avon is an important historic town with a vast cultural legacy and many heritage assets that contribute to its attractiveness and economic prosperity. This new SPD sets out both planning and design guidelines that will help ensure new regeneration makes a positive contribution to the town’s wider historic context and supports the long-term future of its numerous listed buildings. It will also act as a blueprint for future developers, showing how they can reinvigorate the important gateway site in a viable and sustainable way whilst preserving the character and distinct identity of the town overall.”

Laura Edgar, ThePlanner,
24 June 2024 

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Labour to produce new NPPF within first 100 days of government, says Rachel Reeves

Prospective Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has promised a new version of the National Planning Policy Framework within the first 100 days of a Labour government coming into government.

Reeves, Labour’s shadow chancellor, is seeking re-election for Leeds West in July’s election. Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme with Nick Robinson, Reeves emphasised changes to the planning system as key to unlocking growth.

“In the end, the only way that we’ll have the money for our public services is if we grow the economy,” said Reeves.

“We can get cracking with these things straight away. We will, in the first 100 days of a Labour Government, update the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the list of nationally significant infrastructure investments so that we can start growing our economy and give businesses confidence.”

This goal did not appear to feature in Labour’s 2024 manifesto, published last week. However, some of the planning-related policies in Labour’s manifesto, such as mandatory housebuilding targets, would require amendments to the NPPF.  The current NPPF, which sets out the government’s planning policies for England, was last updated in late 2023.

Robinson replied to Reeve: “Your leader told me the other day that he was prepared to make enemies to get growth, for example, on planning” – a reference to Keir Starmer telling Robinson that he would be willing to override objections to enable important planning applications.

Ben Gosling, ThePlanner
27 June 2024 

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