Rovia responds to consultation on Draft National Planning Policy Framework
Rovia has this week submitted a response to the Government’s consultation on the proposed revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), welcoming the increasing emphasis on connectivity and vision-led transport planning while highlighting areas where further there should be improvements.
The revised draft of the NPPF places greater focus on planning development around sustainable transport connections and improving access to jobs, services and opportunities, which is a position we strongly support. Our Directors have long advocated the vision-led approach to planning for transport rather than the predict-and-provide approach, so we welcome the embedding of it within the revised version of the NPPF.
We also support the introduction of the Department for Transport’s Connectivity Tool within planning policy in principle as it aims to help identify locations which are suitable for development based on their connectivity to employment, education, healthcare and other key destinations rather than simply the availability of public transport services nearby.
However, we emphasise that connectivity should not be interpreted too narrowly. While the tool provides a numerical score, we note that connectivity is a complex concept and should not be reduced to a single metric. Factors such as the quality of active travel routes can have a significant influence on whether people actually use sustainable transport options, yet these are not fully captured by the current methodology.
We also highlighted limitations in applying the Connectivity Tool to large-scale developments and new settlements. Because the tool does not currently allow future facilities—such as schools, shops or leisure uses—to be included in assessments, it may undervalue the long-term sustainability of strategic sites that are designed to include these uses. We have suggested that the tool could be further developed to allow local authorities to test planned facilities during the plan-making process.
The consultation response also raises questions about how the Draft NPPF refers to a “high level of connectivity” and “reasonable walking distance” from railway stations, noting that these terms are not clearly defined. Rovia cautions that overly rigid thresholds could unintentionally rule out suitable development locations, particularly where stations may be slightly beyond a walking threshold but easily accessible by cycling or local bus services.
Overall, our response welcomes the Government’s ambition to align planning policy with sustainable transport and connectivity. Successful implementation will depend on ensuring that connectivity is assessed holistically and supported by high-quality walking, cycling and public transport networks.
Rovia looks forward to continuing to support government and industry partners in shaping planning policy that enables sustainable development while helping to address the country’s housing needs.
