New planning policy 'unsatisfactory' say MPs

David Cameron has been warned by an influential group of MPs that the national planning policy framework is “unsatisfactory”.

The Environmental Audit Committee has written to the prime minister expressing concerns about the wording of the framework and calling for a clearer definition of “sustainable development”.

Architects have previously raised concerns about the term, and Design Council Cabe has called for a greater focus on design its definition.

Committee chair and Labour MP Joan Walley said: “As it currently stands the new planning policy framework appears contradictory and confusing.

“It pays lip service to sustainable development without providing a clear definition, potentially leaving future planning decisions open to legal challenges.”

The committee warned that the framework could weaken protection of the green belt and lead to more out-of-town development.

Ministers’ removal of a 60% target for brownfield development was also criticised. The committee echoed concerns raised by the National Trust that the framework could lead to urban sprawl.

“There are environmental limits to how much development any one area can sustain, and the government should acknowledge this in the final draft of the NPPF,” added Walley.

“If the new planning framework protects our greenbelt and countryside, as the government claims, then there should be no problem in defining sustainable development more clearly to avoid misinterpretation.”