Architects Journal: Clark defends NPPF in face of new figures showing a drop in approvals

Glenigan data shows planning approvals fell by over a third in the month after the introduction of the government’s policy shake-up

Planning minister Greg Clark has rejected claims that the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is failing to boost development.

His remarks came three months after the shake-up of the planning system with the streamlined policy designed to speed up applications.

They also coincided with the release of fresh data from industry monitor Glenigan showing there was a 37 per cent drop in the number of planning approvals in April compared with March – the month of the NPPF’s publication.