From their website

1 Apr 2014

We would like RICS members to help us compile a submission to the inquiry into the operation of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), launched by the Communities and Local Government Committee earlier this month.  The inquiry follows research, published 4 April, 2014, that found some local planning authorities may be meeting the government’s planning performance targets despite being ineffective and displaying poor practice.

[The Research referred to above can be found HERE]
While the research suggests that the NPPF has been broadly welcomed, there needs to be a focus on good practice in local planning authorities if its potential is to be realised.  The research suggests that government planning performance targets may be driving perverse behaviour. This is especially worrying as the research also finds that a focus on good practice in local planning authorities is required if the NPPF is to be fully effective.

Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Committee Betts added that a number of local authorities are exemplary according to the performance data but described as ‘horrendous’ by those with first-hand experience of working with them. The committee particularly wants to hear about the impact of the framework on planning for housing, town centres and energy infrastructure.

The NPPF has had a seminal influence on the work of RICS members all three of those areas and more. With members working on both sides of the planning fence and across all sectors, RICS is uniquely placed to offer real insight. Through a submission to the inquiry, this is our opportunity to comment significantly on one of the most influential changes to planning policy in decades.
Jeremy Blackburn, Head of Policy & Parliamentary Affairs at RICS Full details can be found on the on the Committee’s website. This includes a link to the terms of reference, guidelines and to the full research document and a summary document.

RICS members, can of course, reply to the inquiry as individuals. If you do, we would ask that you send a copy of your submission to the RICS Policy team to help inform our response.