The Taunton Deane Core DPD Examination has now been completed. The council wanted to use a modified form of the NNPF Model statement. Specifically the words in square brackets below have been removed with the agreement of the Inspector.. The council also wanted to replaced the word 'find' with the word 'seek' - but this was disallowed by the Inspector. So : what have Taunton Deane gained through this playing with words? Deletion of the word 'always' doesn't' really change the meaning of that sentence. Prevention of the use of the weaker word 'seek' rather than 'find' maintains significant strength in the Model Policy. The removal of the phrase 'can be approved wherever possible' is clearly an attempt to neuter the NPPF ... but I'm not sure that this deletion will have any real impact during a planning dispute. Was this attempt to modify the Model Statement simply a symbolic stamping of feet to show that the council resents central government interference? In reality will the modifications affect any aspect of NPPF related Planning Application processing & determination? ======================== The Taunton Deane Model Statement now reads as follows: When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will [DELETED: always] work proactively with applicants jointly to *find* solutions which mean that proposals [DELETED: can be approved wherever possible and to] secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: • Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or • Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.
