The Government has introduced a new National Planning Policy Framework. This seeks to support sustainable development, this being termed a ‘change for the better’. Full details can be found on: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/2115939.pdf. Importantly, the framework states that development that is sustainable should go ahead, without delay – a presumption in favour of sustainable development that is the basis for every plan, and every decision. This framework sets out clearly what could make a proposed plan or development unsustainable. The framework reduces the complexity of National planning guidelines from over 1000 pages to 50. Of course, it remains to be seen in practice how this will work. DBC must now align its strategic plans with the new guidelines and both the PC and DBC must take them into account when making all future planning decisions.