The framework is intended to make more effective use of land and increase resilience in buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture
The Land Use Framework includes an explanation of what changes are needed to use land more efficiently.
This leads to an argument for a strategic approach and decision-making system, designed to inform decisions.
The framework targets specific challenges in using land
The framework says: “Land in England is a precious and finite natural asset. It is the foundation of our economy and how we use it directly affects our living standards today and those of future generations. This government is committed to accelerating economic growth by rapidly scaling up the building of new homes and infrastructure in every English region while also restoring nature at scale. At the same time, we must maintain food security and national security and increase the resilience of our society to the impacts of climate change and ecosystem degradation. The environmental, economic and social resilience of England depends on how well we use our land.”
It is now expected that land use decisions will be quicker, whether it be for housebuilding, infrastructure, or other uses, while also protecting the already extremely depleted nature in the countryside.
The full framework is available to access in full, for free, here.
Welcoming the publication of the government’s Land Use Framework, the Council of Preservation of Rural England (CPRE) chief executive Roger Mortlock said: “The Land Use Framework is a long-awaited opportunity for real change. It promises serious integration across government departments, which could help ensure we finally make the most of our finite supply of land.
“We welcome the review of the Agricultural Land Classification and greater transparency of resources including the Land Registry and National Soil Map. Enhanced safeguards for farmland are also encouraging at a time when demand for land has never been more acute.
“But even the best intentions won’t change the fact that every hectare of land is being pulled in multiple directions.
“Economic growth should not be prioritised at any cost to the countryside. How tradeoffs are managed locally and nationally – and the degree to which the framework is integrated with other spatial strategies – will be key to its success.
“The UK is facing a land crunch of unprecedented proportions. We can overcome it, but delivery matters as much as ambition.”
While welcoming, CPRE says more is needed
Earlier this week, the CPRE published a report that determined that the then-upcoming Land Use Framework will not be as effective as many would like.
Rather, the CPRE report targets six tools that already exist, such as Spatial Development Strategies, Local Nature Recovery Strategies and the Climate Adaptation Reporting Power, and says that these are not being utilised to their full extent, but rather are being used in silos – that is, not being used in a joined-up manner, and overlapping and contradicting each other.
Roger Mortlock, CPRE chief executive, said: ‘England’s land is finite, but the demands upon it are multiplying. So many government targets require land, but we still think in boxes about how we use it. Without a coherent national plan and clear mechanisms for delivery, the country risks fragmented development, needless loss of countryside, and missed opportunities to align housing, energy, food, climate and nature goals.
“Evidence from this report shows there is still time to think differently, and that with strategic leadership, integrated planning and a renewed commitment to fairness between places, England can overcome the land crunch.”
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