A year after its introduction, the National Planning Policy Framework already appears to be failing, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) warns. The result is the risk of a shortage in building materials if and when the industry returns to health.
With less than 50% plan coverage at core strategy level and 20% with complete minerals development frameworks, the situation is becoming critical, the MPA says.
Chief executive Nigel Jackson said: “Key components in the investment decision-making process are the need for clarity and certainty and, in spite of the undoubted and well intentioned aims of the NPPF, the weight being given to it – and interpretation and implementation – is proving variable. The NPPF needs to be given proper weight; its status as policy needs to be established in practice; and it must be interpreted correctly and consistently by all parties in the planning process if things are to work properly.”
The NPPF introduces local aggregate assessments (LAAs), where each mineral planning authority is expected to prepare an assessment of the demand for and supply of aggregates. Inconsistent approaches are already evident across England and Wales to these LAAs, the association said, and the tendency is towards a reduction in the provision of mineral extraction sites.
Quarrying and aggregate firms are reluctant get involved with the planning system and submit applications at the moment because they are considered too expensive and risky.
Mr Jackson said: “The current cumulative burden of continually changing regulation and a planning system in transition undermines the will of operators to invest.”
He added: “We believe that action must be taken now to speed-up the replacement of outdated development plans and to get a grip on unduly ‘localist’ interpretations of national policy in order to make the NPPF work. Once action is taken to instil confidence on all sides in the planning system, we believe it can deliver. MPA has supported and continues to support attempts to untangle the complex web of regulatory guidance and legislation which creates uncertainty. The NPPF is well balanced for all parties, but consistent recognition of its weight and consistent implementation is vital if it is to play its critical role in the growth of the economy.”
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