Meeting Lofty Aspirations? English National Planning Policy, International Law, and Climate Change

Abstract

The National Planning Policy Framework (nppf) is the primary expression of central government planning policy for England. Given the importance of the planning system for a transition to a more sustainable future, including seeking to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions, the nppf is a highly significant document. The nppf refers to the ideas of sustainable development and intergenerational equity, important in international environmental law. However, intergenerational equity has scarcely featured in the many legal challenges regarding the interpretation of the nppf. Having considered the extent to which the nppf achieves the aspirations set out in the instruments to which it refers, this article suggests potential changes to policy so as to provide greater support to the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.