The government has launched a consultation on a new ‘strategic approach to managing land use’ in England. A ‘Land Use Framework’ will use ‘the most sophisticated land use data and toolkit ever published in our country’s history’ according to Environment Secretary Steve Reed to support decision making around delivering infrastructure, housing and power.
In a speech at the Royal Geographical Society Reed launched the consultation which will seek views from farmers, landowners, businesses and nature groups across the UK on their views for the future of land use.
In recent weeks planning, infrastructure and housing has been a key message coming out of government as part of the Plan for Change. It has been confirmed the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which contains much of the primary legislation required to enact Government’s plans, will be introduced in the Spring. Changes to planing rules will see the number of challenges to decision reduced from three to one.
The consultation is described as a ‘national conversation’ with workshops across the country, bringing farmers and landowners to the table, to ‘put the insights of the people who manage our landscapes at the centre of our work to develop a final Land Use Framework,’ with the Government adding
“This vision for land is one in which we guarantee our long-term food security and future-proof our farm businesses, support new housebuilding and energy infrastructure, and reduce conflicts that hold up development by creating land with multiple benefits – supporting economic growth on the limited land we have available.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said:
“Today marks an important step forward in our journey to build the 1.5 million new homes that we desperately need. This new approach will make better use of our land and grasp the opportunities to deliver new homes and infrastructure in the areas most in need, achieving win-win results for both development and the environment.
Our Plan for Change is going even further to dismantle the barriers holding back growth, so we can raise living standards, get more families onto the property ladder, and deliver a better future for our children and grandchildren.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
The biggest threat to nature and food security is the climate crisis, which threatens our best farmland, food production and the livelihoods of farmers. As we deliver our mission for the UK to become a clean energy superpower as part of the Plan for Change, we will ensure a proper balance between food security, nature preservation and clean energy.
We can roll out renewables in a way that is both positive for our energy security and our environment.
Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission said:
With so many of the government’s missions reliant on good land use decisions, Steve Reed’s announcement today could not be more timely. Setting out clear principles, and working across government departments, we’re pleased to see that the land use consultation focuses on mechanisms for delivery. Our work in Devon and Peterborough and Cambridgeshire proves that farmers and land managers, communities, local authorities, green groups and businesses are keen to work together to help shape a Land Use framework.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks with the final Land Use Framework published later in the year. The consultation can be reviewed here.
Responding to the consultation, countryside charity CPRE said land use is under more pressure than ever before welcoming the new framework but warning a strategic and joined up plan was needed. Roger Mortlock, CPRE chief executive, said:
“Land is a finite resource. However, this simple truth rarely seems to influence how we use the limited supply we have. Our land is under more pressure than ever, with demand set to soon outstrip supply unless ill-judged decision making is replaced by a more strategic and joined-up approach. This will be the measure of the new Land-use Framework’s success.”
“Land provides us with food, homes, energy and countless other things our society depends on. The framework should guide sustainable decisions that balance each of these demands. This will require a truly cross-government approach that gives the framework the teeth it needs to hold decision makers to account.”
“If the government is serious about tackling the competing crises this country faces, the framework must not be allowed to sit on a shelf gathering dust. It must have a clear plan for implementation and be regularly reviewed, as is the case with the Land Commission in Scotland.”
“Done well, the new framework could help us build new homes and infrastructure in the most suitable and strategic locations, support nature’s recovery and help to tackle the climate crisis. Land is critical to economic growth, but our finite land should not needlessly scarified in the name of growth.”