Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Not Addressed
Importance of aligning national land use, environmental, and planning policies for clarity
Conclusion
Stakeholders highlighted the importance of alignment between a national Land Use Framework, environmental policies and planning policies. Such alignment will help direct housing developments and nature conservation or restoration to appropriate locations. It will also help reduce confusion, avoid conflicting objectives, and support coherent decision-making and streamlined delivery. Crucially, it will provide clarity surrounding the application of planning rules and help prevent spurious challenges. In doing so, this supports the Government to achieve its goal of streamlining the planning system, resulting in more positive planning outcomes whilst offering clarity to all stakeholders as to what sustainable development really looks like. (Conclusion, Paragraph 57)
Government Response Summary
The government's response details existing and proposed policies on flood risk and sustainable drainage systems within the NPPF, but does not address the broader concern about the importance of alignment between a national Land Use Framework, environmental policies, and planning policies.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
23. The NPPF already makes clear that local planning authorities should take a sequential and risk-based approach to flood risk. In doing so, development should be directed away from areas at highest risk, and should be made safe for its lifetime without increasing flood risk elsewhere. It also requires developments of all sizes which could have drainage impacts to incorporate sustainable drainage systems. 24. On 16 December 2025 Government published a consultation on a new NPPF which included updated policies on climate change adaptation and mitigation, flood risk and sustainable drainage systems. Our proposed plan- making policies are clear that development plans should be informed by an up-to-date Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) which considers current and future flood risk from all sources, including cumulative impacts in, or affecting, areas susceptible to flooding. 25. We also proposed a new requirement for sustainable drainage systems to be designed in accordance with new national standards that were published in 2025. These national standards make clear that schemes should be designed to cope with changing climatic conditions. 26. Statutory guidance accompanying the Building Regulations already promotes flood resilient building work in flood-prone areas, through Approved Document C. This may include adequate sub-soil drainage; use of non-return valves and anti-flooding devices on sewers and drains; water resistant construction; and provision for inspection and clearance of sub- floor voids. Environmental Protection