Thinking Buildings have recently been commissioned to assist with developing a planning application for a residential site which is outside, but on the edge of, a village settlement boundary. Ordinarily, this would be sufficient to deter most from submitting an application, but with increasing pressure to build more houses, the balance is tilting in favour of development.
For developers, landowners, and self-builders, submitting a planning application in an area where the local authority is failing to meet its housing targets can present a unique opportunity. The UK’s planning system places a statutory duty on councils to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. If they cannot, national planning policy tilts the balance in favour of sustainable development, significantly increasing the chances of gaining planning permission.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that if a local authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land, the “presumption in favour of sustainable development” applies. This means that planning applications for new housing should generally be approved unless the adverse impacts of the proposal significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.
This policy shift is crucial because it weakens a council’s ability to reject applications based on restrictive local policies alone. Instead, decision-makers must assess proposals against the broader objectives of national planning policy, which prioritises boosting housing supply.
In areas with a housing shortfall, councils may be forced to consider development on sites not previously earmarked in their Local Plan. This provides opportunities for landowners and developers to bring forward well-designed, sustainable proposals in locations that might have previously faced resistance.
This is particularly relevant for edge-of-settlement sites, brownfield land, and infill plots, which may become more viable when councils struggle to meet targets. Additionally, rural exception sites – small developments on the edges of villages – may stand a better chance of approval if they contribute to addressing the housing shortfall.
When a local authority is under pressure to boost housing supply, planners may be more inclined to work proactively with applicants to approve sustainable developments. Councils want to avoid costly and time-consuming appeals, particularly if they are likely to lose due to a lack of housing supply.
If an application is refused, the absence of a five-year housing supply can significantly strengthen an applicant’s case at appeal. Planning inspectors will consider whether the council has a demonstrable housing shortfall, and if so, the presumption in favour of sustainable development will weigh heavily in the applicant’s favour. Many appeals in such circumstances result in approvals, further encouraging developers to submit applications.
While the policy creates opportunities for developers, it also benefits local communities by helping to address housing shortages, improve affordability, and support economic growth. Thoughtfully designed schemes that incorporate sustainability measures, good design principles, and appropriate infrastructure contributions are more likely to gain support from both planners and local stakeholders.
Submitting a planning application in an area where the local authority is failing to meet its housing targets can be a strategic move. With the presumption in favour of sustainable development, greater flexibility in site selection, and increased chances of appeal success, developers and landowners can take advantage of a planning system that actively seeks to address the UK’s housing crisis.
Do reach out if you’d like to know more or have a potential site. We offer free initial assessments, you can arrange to talk to us here.
