The business group is also urging planners to understand that the logistics sector is vital to the delivery of all the new housing the government wants to see.
“The government’s instruction to planners to support the economy by identifying suitable locations for freight and logistics is a significant step forward for our sector,” says Jonathan Walker, Logistics UK’s Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy, who adds:
“It is also good news that the updated NPPF calls for local planners to have regard to industries of national importance and national industrial strategy, to support economic growth.”
Jonathan Walker continues, “As new houses are delivered, planners must ensure that they have the supportive systems that they need to be part of sustainable communities. This includes enabling the logistics sector to provide the facilities required to serve homes, as well as hospitals, offices and schools, with the goods they need, when they need them.
“For too long logistics has been an afterthought in the planning system, so today’s announcement will help our sector play a greater part in rebuilding the economy. Nothing moves without logistics, and it is essential that the key role logistics plays is top of mind when local plans and spatial development strategies are being developed.
“All those served by the new developments – whether domestic or commercial – will expect to access the goods they need, every day.”
