Will planning guidelines protect Herefordshire's countryside? (From Hereford Times)

Will planning guidelines protect Herefordshire's countryside?

4:51pm Tuesday 27th March 2012 in County

A new National Planning Policy Framework has promised to protect Herefordshire's unspoilt countryside while promoting local growth.

The Government's new planning guidelines, published today (March 27), are meant to simplify the planning process and put power in the hands of local people.

It will now be used by Herefordshire Council's planning officers and councillors everytime they debate and determine planning applications.

The framework tells decision-makers to work on “the presumption in favour of sustainable development” and also encourages towns and parishes to put together their own 'neighbourhood plans' that identify where communities want new houses, businesses and development to go.

You can download the National Planning Policy Framework here - 2115939.pdf.

Or view it online at communities.go.uk.