Government plans new powers for council CPOs The UK government plans to introduce legislation to grant councils greater authority to issue compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) for land, including green belt areas, ensuring landowners receive a "fair but not excessive return”.  A section of the current planning reform consultation addresses ‘Benchmark Land Values’ and how these may be set. A range of options are presented that try to ensure that location-specific factors can be considered as part of local policy development, and that these can then factor into the need (or otherwise) for viability assessment of green belt sites. A proposed new annex to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) seeks to discourage the granting of planning permission “if land released from Green Belt is transacted above the benchmark land value and cannot deliver policy-compliant development”, whilst also stating that “where policy compliant development can be delivered, viability assessment should not be undertaken”. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to overhaul the planning system and address the housing crisis. These proposals aim to "get Britain back to building" and come alongside substantial proposed changes to the NPPF.   The green belt, established in 1947 to prevent "urban sprawl"—the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas—covers 6,300 square miles (13% of England). Under the new rules, developments on green belt land would require 50% affordable housing, with a focus on brownfield and grey-belt sites. This move follows a decade of declining housebuilding and planning system disruptions.  At Planning Portal, we understand the pressures facing the planning system due to limited resources, a growing skills gap and local issues. By working closely with industry professionals, local authorities, and agents, we remain committed to our mission of transforming planning and building control, to support the development of vibrant communities, contribute to economic growth and keeping pace with the ever-changing built environment.   SOURCE:  https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/weekly-planning-news/planning-news-15-august-2024#government-plans-new-powers-for-council-cpos

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