Agenda Reports Pack (Public) 15/10/2012, 19.00 - Meetings ...

5.7 The Mayor of London has supported the decision to grant outline planningconsent and has endorsed the Council’s prioritisation of s106 funds in favourof Market expansion and improvement in order to achieve the regenerationobjectives more particularly set out in Section 6 of this report.Planning Policy Context5.8 The National Planning Policy Framework was published on 27th March 2012after a period of consultation. This new framework for the planning system isaimed at safeguarding the environment while meeting the need forsustainable growth. Advises the planning system should: a) plan forprosperity by using the planning system to build a strong, responsive andcompetitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type, and inthe right places, is available to allow growth and innovation; and by identifyingand coordinating development requirements, including the provision ofinfrastructure; b) plan for people (a social role) use the planning system topromote strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing an increasedsupply of housing to meet the needs of present and future generations; andby creating a good quality built environment, with accessible local servicesthat reflect the community's needs and supports its health and well-being; andc) plan for places (an environmental role) - use the planning system toprotect and enhance our natural, built and historic environment, to use naturalresources prudently and to mitigate and adapt to climate change, includingmoving to a low-carbon economy. The draft Framework also underlines theneed for councils to work closely with communities and businesses andactively seek opportunities for sustainable growth to rebuild the economy;helping to deliver the homes, jobs, and infrastructure needed for a growingpopulation whilst protecting the environment.5.9 In particular the NPPF contains at paragraph 23 advice that local planningauthorities should, in drawing up Local Plans, should:●●●●●●recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and pursuepolicies to support their viability and vitality;define a network and hierarchy of centres that is resilient toanticipated future economic changes;define the extent of town centres and primary shopping areas,based on a clear definition of primary and secondary frontages indesignated centres, and set policies that make clear which uses willbe permitted in such locations;promote competitive town centres that provide customer choice anda diverse retail offer and which reflect the individuality of towncentres;retain and enhance existing markets and, where appropriate, reintroduceor create new ones, ensuring that markets remainattractive and competitive;allocate a range of suitable sites to meet the scale and type of retail,leisure, commercial, office, tourism, cultural, community andresidential development needed in town centres. It is important thatneeds for retail, leisure, office and other main town centre uses aremet in full and are not compromised by limited site availability. Local9Page 69