Planning Policy Statement 4 - A Welcome Change

A Sustainable Change in the Countryside! Consultation Paper on New Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS4) Planning for Sustainable Economic Development

As news arrives of the new Planning Application forms, “commonly referred to as the 1APP form” together with news of revised planning fees – DCLG Circular 02/2008, 12th March 2008, a Consultation Paper on a new Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS 4) Planning for Sustainable Economic Development also arrives.  This consultation paper is set to replace the existing Planning Policy Document (PPG 4) Industrial, Commercial Development and Small Firms.  Initial observations suggest that PPS4 is a welcoming document that is encouraging planners to take a proactive approach for economic development towards new businesses particularly in the countryside and to encourage economic growth.

Whilst at present this document only appears in a draft format it appears to recognise that economic development covers a wide range of developments, businesses and infrastructure including agriculture.  The document is urging regional planning bodies and local planning authorities to plan positively for promotion of economic development, and to develop policies, which respond to this change to help ensure that regional local strategies address the need for all rural areas, both in economic and employment terms.

One of the most encouraging recommendations within this consultation paper is “new uses for vacant and derelict buildings, including historic buildings and buildings in rural areas will be encouraged”.  Recognising that many rural buildings have the ability to contribute to an area and can bring wider economic benefits whilst conserving the look of the landscape.

This consultation paper does not by any means open the door for every rural building to be converted, and strong reference is made in the document to high quality designs and sustainable buildings that help to promote the environment and landscapes around them, which in turn can bring wider economic benefits such as tourism related enterprises.

The draft PPS4 also recognises that in rural areas that accessibility, whether by private transport, public transport, walking and cycling, is a key consideration and that Local Planning Authorities should:

If, having taken account of the development plan, and all “material considerations” Local Planning Authorities propose to refuse a Planning Application for farm diversification, they should set out clear reasons why.

This draft guidance is not clear as to whether it refers to diversification within agriculture or diversification away from agriculture.  If it refers to the former, then the emphasis will need to be upon producing different products which can be sold directly to the public or to other businesses.  If however, diversification means diversification away from agriculture, then it will need to be kept in mind that there are few activities which are likely to enhance the nature of the countryside rather than just proving a substitution for agriculture.  However, this draft PPS document certainly encourages farm diversification schemes and this should result in greater localisation of agricultural enterprises whilst remaining consistent with the rural location and environmental impact. 

There is also much to be welcomed in this draft statement about the stress of ensuring the particular needs of rural areas are met in terms of new economic opportunities, a very positive approach to rural development and recognising that accessibility is relative.  Local Authorities should plan more positively for the future of economic development including the promotion of new businesses in both urban and rural areas, recognising the need that the rural areas can be just as sustainable. 

The benefits of this document are quite clear in that the government are recognising the need for local authorities to plan more positively for the future of economic development including the promotion of new businesses in both urban and rural areas, recognising the need that the rural areas can be just as sustainable.

This proposed new outlook is referred to by the document as creating a “proper balance” between the need for economic growth whilst caring for the environmental and social needs of these areas.  The Governments proactive approach is seen as a step in the right direction as we have known for many years that many farm and rural diversification projects can create many local employment opportunities, essential income for farming/rural businesses that at the same time contribute to the local economy and the surrounding environment.  Whilst the policy clearly places emphasises farm diversification schemes that support agricultural enterprises must be consistent with their scale in rural location.

The Governments approach set out in this draft document, to creating a more sustainable countryside appears to be a step in the right directions for the rural economy and whilst the final document is not due to be completed until summer 2008, this draft document provides for a positive approach.

For further information please contact:
Davies & Co, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN16 0BU
Tel: 01536 524808
Fax: 01526 415095

 
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