Construction

Planning regime leaves building materials supply in danger

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A year after its introduction, the National Planning Policy Framework already seems to be failing, the Mineral Products Association (MPA) warns. The result’s the danger of a shortage in building materials if and when the industry returns to health.

With under 50% plan coverage at core strategy level and 20% with complete minerals development frameworks, the placement is becoming critical, the MPA says.

Chief executive Nigel Jackson said: “Key components within the investment decision-making process are the will for clarity and certainty and, notwithstanding the undoubted and well intentioned aims of the NPPF, the load being given to it – and interpretation and implementation – is proving variable.  The NPPF ought to be given proper weight; its status as policy has to be established in practice; and it ought to be interpreted correctly and consistently by all parties within the planning process if things are to work properly.”

The NPPF introduces local aggregate assessments (LAAs), where each mineral planning authority is predicted to organize an assessment of the demand for and provide of aggregates. Inconsistent approaches are already evident across England and Wales to those LAAs, the association said, and the tendency is towards a discount within the provision of mineral extraction sites.

Quarrying and aggregate firms are reluctant become involved with the planning system and submit applications in the meanwhile because they’re considered too expensive and risky.

Mr Jackson said: “The current cumulative burden of constantly changing regulation and a planning system in transition undermines the desire of operators to speculate.”

He added: “We believe that action need to be taken now to hurry-up the replacement of outdated development plans and to get a grip on unduly ‘localist’ interpretations of national policy a good way to make the NPPF work. Once action is taken to instil confidence on each side within the planning system, we believe it may possibly 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 definitely balanced for all parties, but consistent recognition of its weight and consistent implementation is essential whether it is to play its critical role within the growth of the economy.”