The government has published England’s first ever Land Use Framework – a plan for delivering new homes, nature restoration, clean energy and food security.
It demonstrates clearly that there is enough land to deliver the government’s objectives provided we use land more efficiently and for multiple benefits.
The Framework gives the long-term clarity needed to meet environmental commitments and the policy to back it up, with a single spatial map of England’s natural assets showing where nature recovery can have the greatest impact.
For families waiting on a new home, the Framework will help steer development to the most suitable locations, away from flood plains – helping to accelerate delivery of the government’s promise of 1.5 million new homes while protecting critical habitats.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, in a speech at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, said: “Our land is a vital national asset, but it is finite. We cannot be held back by the false choices between building homes and producing food, restoring nature and supporting farmers, or delivering clean energy and protecting landscapes.
“With better data, smarter tools and strategic planning, we can meet all these needs. This ensures people can manage their land in the way that works best for them while unlocking growth, strengthening food security and protecting our environment.
“The government’s new Framework gives decision-makers a single, shared vision for how we can play to the strengths of our diverse landscapes. This will help landowners, planners and energy providers to make effective decisions about where we locate new infrastructure, bolstering the country’s resilience to both short-term shocks and long-term vulnerability to climate change.”
This comes as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced plans to cut red to allow businesses and public sector organisations to install a single small onshore wind turbine without needing to apply for planning permission. This could cut energy bills, making it faster and cheaper to generate clean homegrown power on site, as part of the government delivering the clean power mission and protecting businesses against volatile fossil fuels markets.
Over the next year, the government will establish a dedicated Land Use Unit to drive delivery of the Framework and produce England’s first single map of national spatial priorities for Defra. Alongside more effective spatial planning for infrastructure and growth, this will align national and local strategies, accelerate decision-making and give more certainty to investors and developers.
The Land Use Framework was developed after extensive public consultation, which began last January, and including regional roadshows as part of a national listening exercise.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “We’ve been clear from the outset that our planning reforms will achieve a win-win for both housebuilding and nature recovery.
“The first of its kind in England, this Framework will ensure we make smarter decisions on land used to build the homes and infrastructure we need, while protecting and enhancing our natural environment and wildlife.”
Robbie Calvert, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the RTPI, said: “Land across England is increasingly under pressure to make space for more housing, economic growth, renewable energy and nature recovery. In publishing its Land Use Framework, the Government is defining how England’s land can be managed in the long-term public interest.
“To realise its full potential, the Framework needs to place communities at its heart and be closely aligned with the planning system. It should act as a live, evidence-based tool, underpinned by up-to-date data, and form part of the evidence base for spatial development strategies to ensure national priorities are effectively translated into local outcomes.
“This is a critical moment for planning reform, and England’s first-ever Land Use Framework has the potential to become an invaluable tool for the profession. The RTPI has worked closely with government and stakeholders on its development and are pleased to see a clear role for planning and a clear recognition of the need to align sectoral plans both nationally and regionally.
“We will continue to support the evolution of this framework as part of a more coordinated National Spatial Framework for England, which will ultimately be the most effective way to integrate these plans.”
Meanwhile, the EFRA Committee has launched a long-term thematic inquiry into land use and nature in England, as a new component of its Strategy.
EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP said: “The Government has set ambitious targets to conserve ecosystems, build hundreds of thousands more homes and new renewable energy sources, and to expand the National Grid. Given that around 70% of England’s land is agricultural, it is farmers and growers – already under pressure – that are most likely to be impacted by these priorities.
“Squaring all of the above will be a tricky balancing act that requires detailed, thought-through policy. In many cases there could be winners and losers, and we know these subjects can be potent at stirring up emotions.
“At its early stages and through its implementation, this Committee will scrutinise the Government’s strategic planning for land use and nature conservation, and will examine how DEFRA works with other departments to ensure the aims of the Land Use Framework are understood and achieved.”
