We recently submitted our response to the Government’s proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, an important moment for long‑term, strategic growth areas like Harlow & Gilston Garden Town.
As one of the UK’s most significant cross‑boundary growth projects, we welcome the direction set out in the draft reforms.
The stronger focus on strategic spatial planning and long‑term infrastructure aligns closely with the placemaking work we’re progressing with our five council partners.
Here are some of the key points we raised:
• We support the enhanced role of Spatial Development Strategies to keep planning consistent across local authority boundaries.
• Garden Towns and new settlements need long‑term certainty, clear delivery frameworks and upfront infrastructure investment to succeed.
• We’ve asked for a formal definition of “super strategic sites”, recognising the scale and complexity of delivering new towns.
• We welcome the strengthened policies on sustainable transport, nature recovery, design coding and climate resilience.
• And we’ve encouraged national policy to support long‑term stewardship models, so new places remain well‑managed long after construction is complete.
Overall, we believe these reforms are a real opportunity to accelerate high‑quality, sustainable growth.
Recognising Garden Towns as strategic national growth vehicles will be key to making that happen.
We’re proud to contribute to this national conversation and to keep championing great placemaking for our growing communities.
