Why economic benefits matter in planning decisions
Under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – the government’s primary planning policy – there is a requirement (found in paragraph 85, formerly 81) that “significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity.” One recent ruling illustrates how this plays out in decision-making. A closer look at the Bewley […]
Vision and validate – but for employment need?
Recent changes to the NPPF have introduced a fresh approach in transport planning – one known as “vision and validate.” Instead of relying solely on forecasts based on past data, this method requires decision makers to articulate a clear vision for the future and then actively test, monitor, and adjust their forecasts as conditions evolve. […]
An uncertain past
A significant part of our work at Volterra involves dealing with an uncertain future. Questions such as how many jobs a development will create, what strategy should an area adopt given we cannot predict how the economy will evolve, or how a new rail link will impact land use patterns around stations all require some […]
Surplus is necessary for resilience in an unpredictable world
Our flood management systems are under increasing pressure. In recent years the UK has been hit by several extreme floods which have ruined homes and businesses, and taken lives. Population growth and climate change are expected to make flooding worse: analysis for the 2017 Climate Change Risk Assessment estimated that flood risk will increase by […]
