Requirement for New Housing to be Beautiful

In a statement made in the House of Commons, a minister addressed the issue of beauty in planning proposals. The minister asserted that beauty has remained an integral part of the proposals, despite claims that references to it have been removed. The minister explained that while some additional references made by the previous Conservative government have been changed, the government has not eliminated all mentions of beauty in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The minister further clarified that the changes were made in response to concerns raised by the Royal Institute of British Architects, which had suggested that the previous wording could have led to development being turned down. The minister emphasized that the government's aim is to strike a balance, ensuring that beauty remains a consideration in planning decisions while addressing the potential issues identified by the architectural body. The minister's statement sought to provide clarity and reassurance regarding the government's approach to incorporating beauty into its planning proposals, addressing the concerns raised by the opposition member and reaffirming the government's commitment to considering the aesthetic aspects of development within the NPPF framework.