National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Government’s policies for planning in England, was published on 17 August.

This marks a significant change from the previous NPPF, with more detailed national decision-making policies which would previously have been set locally. Local policies which are not consistent with the new NPPF will be given “very limited weight”.

There is increased emphasis on facilitating new development; applications within settlements are expected to be approved unless substantially outweighed by compelling adverse effects and development around railway stations is supported including within ‘green belt’ and countryside.  

There are several areas in which the new NPPF will impact theatres, however we are pleased that following our advocacy there have been some positive updates from the draft version that was consulted on earlier in the year.

• Local Plans are expected to be informed by understanding of existing deficits in availability and additional requirements from population growth over the plan period for community facilities including cultural provision – in other words plans should be assessing needs for new or expanded theatres. The NPPF specifically seeks allocation of land for such facilities where necessary.

• Within plan-making, proactive engagement is sought to take into account relevant strategies to improve cultural well-being for all sections of the community.
• There is a new national policy on retention of community facilities and public service infrastructure. This has been defined as including “cultural venues” which is a welcome change that Theatres Trust had advocated for during the consultation early in the year.
• Another positive change since the draft NPPF is that “last facility of its type” has been deleted, something that would have threatened every theatre in England (and every other type of community use such as halls, music venues and pubs) where more than one existed even if of different scales and serving different needs. Instead, applicants have to demonstrate that sufficient alternative provision exists and that loss would not diminish access to facilities.
• Policy on the 'agent of change' principle has been expanded and enhanced, and with this being a national policy it means there is greater consistency of strength in protecting theatres across England. 
• Policy on heritage has seen clearer criteria and language on assessing the impact of development proposals on listed buildings, removing the previous category of 'less than substantial harm'. The new categories are 'positive effect', 'no effect', harm or 'total loss'. There is greater protection of 'non-designated heritage assets', in other words unlisted buildings of local significance.

Photo credit: Marina Theatre, Foster Wilson Size & Daniel Shearing photography