Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Acknowledged
NPPF's presumption for sustainable development prioritises economic growth over environmental protection
Conclusion
We have heard strong and repeated concerns that the environment could be sidelined in the presumption for sustainable development, and that the current revision of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) could result in unsustainable and speculative development. The evidence we received suggests that the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as currently framed, prioritises economic growth over environmental protection, leading to outcomes that are inconsistent with the long-term goals of sustainability and the NPPF’s goal of sustainable development. (Conclusion, Paragrap 43)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government acknowledges the challenge of balancing competing land needs and states that a new national infrastructure spatial tool is being developed to integrate strategies, data, and tools, including environmental considerations, for housing, growth, and land use.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
Government Response: 10. We are consulting on changes to the presumption in favour of sustainable development as part of our wider consultation on changes to the NPPF that was published on 16 December 2025. The details of this consultation can be found at National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system. We will consider the responses received, including any in relation to how environmental sustainability is addressed, before finalising the publication of a revised Framework.
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