Industry perspectives on the NPPF take centre stage at latest HIDB meeting
Industry leaders from across the public and private sectors gathered in Hatfield this week for a morning of discussion and collaboration focused on the evolving National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and what the proposed changes could mean for the development sector.
The event brought together planners, developers and built environment professionals to unpack the draft reforms and explore how they could influence housing delivery, design approaches and community engagement.
The morning began with networking and refreshments, giving attendees the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and forge new relationships ahead of a packed agenda.
Setting the scene, Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council and Chair of the HIDB welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue between local authorities and the development industry at a time of significant policy change.
Providing expert insight into the proposed reforms, Sam Stafford, Managing Director at the Land, Planning and Development Federation, led a detailed session unpacking the draft NPPF. His presentation explored the potential implications of the changes for housing delivery and planning decisions, while also reflecting on the broader policy direction shaping the sector.
The conversation then turned to differing perspectives within the development industry during a panel discussion examining the role of volume housebuilders and SMEs in delivering new homes. Jonathan Locke, Head of Planning at Taylor Wimpey, and Ed Whetham, Director at Laxton Properties, shared their respective viewpoints on the opportunities and challenges facing organisations of different scales. The discussion, expertly chaired by Ros Paris from SNG, highlighted the importance of maintaining a diverse housing market and ensuring planning policy enables both large and smaller developers to play their part in delivering much-needed homes.
Attendees moved into smaller workshop groups for a deeper dive into how the NPPF changes could influence design choices and engagement strategies. Led by representatives from Meeting Place and RCKa Architects, these sessions encouraged open discussion about how policy shifts might shape the way developments are designed, communicated and delivered in partnership with communities.