New planning rules will take account of environment and social concerns, says PM

In a letter to Fiona Reynolds, head of the National Trust, David Cameron said that he "whole heartedly agreed" that policymakers had a responsibility to the UK's "magnificent" countryside at the same time as streamlining 3,000 pages of existing planning guidance.

The National Trust has been running a petition against proposed changes to the planning system that it argues "promote economic growth" at the expense of protecting public spaces from unwanted development.

The Government says that its draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will, once in force, make the planning system less complex and more accessible, while creating a presumption in favour of sustainable development where policies are outdated or silent.

A consultation on the draft proposals runs until next month, with finalised proposals expected at the end of the year.

In his letter, Cameron defended the proposals and added that the changes to the system will make it easier for local communities to influence planning decisions and the "look and feel" of their neighbourhoods.

 [repeat]The presumption  for sustainable development will also insist on high environmental standards and good design, he said.

"Poorly-designed and poorly-located development is in no-one's interest. Our aim is to secure a planning system that supports growth and prosperity and protects the interests both of today's communities and of generations to come," he said.

Fiona Reynolds said in a statement that it was a "great relief" that the Prime Minister had no intention of promoting economic needs ahead of those of society and the environment.

"We will no do everything in our power to help shape the National Planning Policy Framework into a robust system which enables the people making the decisions to guide good development to the right places," she said.