Logistics UK Response to Consultation on National Planning Policy Framework – Logistics Industry Needs Consistency and Commitment in Order to Thrive

If the country’s logistics industry is to provide the economy with the productivity and profitability boosts it is capable of driving, it is imperative that the National Planning Police Framework (NPPF) is strengthened to recognise the needs of the sector which underpins all economic activity, according to business group Logistics UK. 

As the government’s consultation on the NPPF closes today, 24 September 2024, Jonathan Walker, Head of Infrastructure and Planning Policy at Logistics UK, says member businesses are urging government to take bold steps in how it views planning in the future, to make significant investment in infrastructure possible and change the way that projects are implemented moving forwards: 

“If the government is serious about its stated commitment to get the country moving again, it is vital that the development of a National Freight Network is actioned, as committed to in the Future of Freight, the previous government’s policy commitment. This would identify the key routes and hubs for freight movements and establish how the transport and energy infrastructure must be developed and adapted to ensure the logistics sector can decarbonise effectively, and at pace.”  

As Walker continues, one of the biggest areas of concern for the sector is a lack of consistency in planning, something which the sector needs if real changes are to be made in the way the country’s transport and logistics systems operate: 

“National and local planning need to operate together, not in isolation, if real changes are to be made to the way goods move across the country and across its borders,” he continues. “Planning for logistics should be front and centre of every development – from constructing new freight terminals to expanding the provision of lorry parking nationwide – and the services needed to support these projects should be considered holistically, not on a piecemeal basis which can lead to delays, confusion and frustration. 

“The NPPF needs to be bold – and while it is positive that the government has increased the recognition of logistics in the revied NPPF, some of the recommendations do not go far enough if genuine change is to be created to benefit businesses and households nationwide. Logistics UK’s members are at the heart of all activity in the economy and stand ready to provide advice and assistance to government to ensure that the new Framework is fit for purpose, not just in the short term but also to help drive longer-term change to the way the nation’s economy grows and thrives. We believe that effective logistics is the key which could unlock real benefits for the nation.” 

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading 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, Brexit, 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, sea 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      

Transport & Logistics – Driving The Industry Forward