England issues land use framework calling for 7% of land for nature and renewable energy
Change
England published a national land use framework that maps current land use, identifies roughly 7% of England’s land should be allocated to nature, forests and renewable energy, and institutes a 'default yes' for housing developments within walking distance of existing train stations.
Why it matters
The framework changes national planning priorities by elevating restoration and renewable energy sites over dispersed development, reducing the effective land pool for conventional agriculture and greenfield housing. It also raises mandatory design and drainage standards for new developments and directs where planners must focus restoration and forestry efforts.
Implications
- • Local planning authorities must apply a presumption of approval for housing proposals within walking distance of existing train stations.
- • Housebuilders must include ponds, wetlands and improved urban drainage schemes in new housing developments to meet the framework's design standards.
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Source
Topics
Policy & Regulation Conservation Renewable Energy Environmental Regulation