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In the response, members expressed support for the government’s goals of sustainable, strategic and brownfield-first development, but also identified critical areas for improvement.
IEMA emphasised the importance of impact assessments (EIA, SEA, HIA) in decision-making and advocated for experts to lead the assessments.
The response reiterates long-standing calls for a national environmental assessment unit to enhance EIA and SEA delivery, and advocates for reinvigorated regional strategic planning to guide sustainable land use.
Key recommendations include improving public participation in planning, integrating health promotion into the NPPF, and expanding the policy’s focus on soil health and its importance for biodiversity and climate resilience.
IEMA cautioned against penalising local authorities for unmet housing targets, suggesting that such policies could promote unsustainable developments. Instead, it advocates prioritising redevelopment in existing urban areas to foster vibrant, low-impact communities.
The Institute remains engaged in ongoing dialogue with the government to refine the NPPF reforms for achieving resilient, healthy and environmentally sustainable communities.
Our full response and a summary are at www.bit.ly/IEMA-NPPF-response
Dr Howard is the policy and engagement lead for Impact Assessment at IEMA and a leading professional in EIA, with two decades of international experience across renewable energy and major infrastructure. A Fellow of IEMA and Chartered Environmentalist, Rufus holds degrees in Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Law, and a doctorate in Management. A trusted advisor, Rufus has directed environmental projects for major organisations such as the World Bank, The Crown Estate, Natural Resources Wales, the EBRD, Statkraft, Orsted, National Grid, and the Environment Agency. Rufus lives in Kent with his wife and three daughters and enjoys walking in nature, cooking, music, kayaking and archery.
