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Press Release

UKTFA response to Greg Clark announcement – 'presumption in favour of sustainable development'

17 June 2011

The UKTFA welcomes today's announcement by Greg Clark, Planning Minister, favouring sustainable development. Simon Orrells, UKTFA Chairman comments: “Many would have you believe that the sustainability agenda is slipping, Clark's announcement today firmly puts sustainable development back on the agenda, something our industry has been heavily promoting throughout the housing recession. Our Fabric First message is more relevant today than ever before, providing an affordable, robust solution to the sustainability strategies of house builders and housing associations. Greg Clark also appears to be finally addressing the issue of planning delays, by providing an opportunity for communities and councils to unclog their planning process, so the country can get building again, more importantly get building sustainably again and what better way than in THE most sustainable form of construction, timber frame.”

The presumption will help with the country's economic recovery by ensuring proposals in line with Local Plans get approval without delay. It will mean:

Communities and councils have a strong incentive to keep their plans up-to-date, and to plan positively for sustainable development. Without an up-to-date plan, decisions will be made according to national policy;

Sustainable development can get underway faster. Proposals will be approved without delay if they are in accordance with Local Plans;

Developers have more certainty about what will be allowed and where. This will encourage them to bring forward more proposals and reduce the number of planning appeals;

Development will not be allowed if it is clearly in conflict with the environmental and other safeguards in the National Planning Policy Framework.



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UK Timber Frame Association

UK Timber Frame Association

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