Planning framework now includes dedicated freight and logistics policy

Planning framework now includes dedicated freight and logistics policy – RHA welcomes move

RHA reaction to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) being updated to include a dedicated freight and logistics policy.

By Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director:

“My initial reaction to the latest draft of the national planning policy framework is positive, particularly in how it recognises freight, logistics and the infrastructure our sector depends upon.

“Planning policy matters to our industry because it determines where logistics facilities can be developed, how freight movements are considered alongside housing and commercial growth, and whether suitable land is protected for essential infrastructure such as lorry parking.

“We have moved from freight and logistics receiving virtually no recognition in one of the country’s most important planning documents, to increasing visibility in successive drafts and now to a dedicated policy.

“Policy TR1 expressly identifies lorry-parking facilities as transport infrastructure that development plans should provide for, alongside ports, airports and public transport hubs. This reinforces what we have consistently argued: safe, secure and suitable lorry parking is essential national infrastructure, not an optional extra.

“Policy E2 is equally encouraging. It states that substantial weight should be given to proposals that support improvements in freight and logistics. Importantly, this begins to recognise the relationship between economic development and the transport operations required to make that growth possible.

“New homes, industrial sites, retail developments and public services all generate freight movements. Their transport and logistics requirements must therefore be considered from the beginning of the planning process, not addressed as an afterthought.

“There is more detail for us to examine, but the direction of travel is welcome. It reflects sustained campaigning by the RHA, our members and partners on planning, infrastructure, driver facilities and lorry parking.

“Recognition in policy is an important step; the test will be whether it translates into protected land, planning approvals and investment that deliver the infrastructure operators and professional drivers urgently need.”

ENDS