BASE HEADER

No

ID sylw: 105118

Derbyniwyd: 27/02/2025

Ymatebydd: St Philips

Asiant : Lichfields (Birmingham)

St Philips recognise the importance of best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land, in relation to economic and environmental benefits, but consider that the SWAs approach is not necessary.

The NPPF is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by “recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land…” (Para 187b). Notwithstanding this, the SWAs should have regard to paragraph 16(f) of the NPPF (i.e. serve a clear purpose and avoid ‘unnecessary duplication). St Philips believes a policy that largely duplicates the protections for BMV in the NPPF would not ‘serve a clear purpose’, nor avoid ‘unnecessary duplication’ as the decision taker would need to have regard to the requirements of the NPPF in any event.