Roundtables format and agenda

We have identified three areas of discussion to focus on, based on the initial responses submitted by the CPRE Network. We will run 45-minute sessions on each of these three areas. These are:

Sustainable development and countryside protection

A session focusing on the definition and meaning of sustainable development. Possible discussion topics include the operation of the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’, the wording of footnote 7 in the draft NPPF and whether it should include ‘valued landscapes’ or ‘best quality agricultural land’, and the balance between productivity and environmental protections, including protections for undesignated countryside.

Planning from parish to parliament:

A session focusing on planning at different geographical levels and the relationships between different types of plan. We may consider whether local plans have primacy over neighbourhood plans, the frequency of local plan reviews, the operation of statements of common ground, and the role of planning in redirecting demand away from high-pressure areas towards areas that either want growth or have the opportunities to support it.

Housing targets and tests:

A session focusing on housing tests and targets, including how housing need is calculated, the effects of housing targets, local plan requirements, five year land supply and housing delivery tests. We may also consider the impact of the NPPF on affordable housing delivery.

As well as focusing on these three areas of discussion, the roundtables will include an hour-long session to discuss any other relevant issues. The full agenda is as follows:

11.30 – 12.15: Sustainable development and countryside protection

12.15 – 13.00: Planning from parish to parliament

13.00 – 13.30: Lunch

13.30 – 14.15: Housing targets and tests

14.15 – 14.30: Break

14.30 – 15.30: Flexible discussion (issues tbc)