Planning small print must not ignore the big picture for logistics, says Logistics UK

Responding to today’s publication of the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Consultation, Jonathan Walker, head of planning policy at business group Logistics UK said:

“It is encouraging that, from the outset, the government’s consultation is drawing attention to the need for commercial developments to allow businesses the opportunity to “invest, expand and adapt … and support improvements in freight and logistics.”  As our members have been saying for some time now, nothing in the economy moves without the work of our sector and it is imperative that local planning takes into account the need for logistics to ensure the successful creation of vibrant and sustainable communities.

“We will be responding to the consultation in due course, scrutinising the full detail and ensuring that the positive support for logistics at a national level is effectively translated into local actions that benefit both business and consumers, and is supported with a robust logistics plan to ensure delivery. Without due consideration to the support our sector provides to industry, the NPPF will be constructed on shaky ground.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk