Prioritising Reuse Over Demolition: SAVE Inputs to the National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

 

 

SAVE was pleased to contribute to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation - the main national planning policy document for England. The government was consulting primarily on matters relating to housing delivery, and our representations, drafted with sustainability expert Simon Sturgis, focused on the need for a greater emphasis on aligning national policy with the country's legislative commitments on net zero targets. We also recommended a strong presumption in favour of reuse or refurbishment of existing buildings and against demolishing buildings and structures capable of refurbishment or adaptation.

 

The government has set a goal of 1.5m new homes over the next five years, and we are keen to capitalise on new research by Historic England estimating that 670,000 homes can be provided by converting existing vacant buildings. That would go a long way to helping the government meet its target while reducing embodied carbon and boosting the life and vitality of town centres where many of these buildings are located. The consultation closed at the end of September and government is currently reviewing the responses.