This presentation examines the proposed interaction of “local communities” with future planning decisions, as framed in the new National Planning Policy Framework. It notes the focus on “helping make sustainable development happen” and the Framework’s commitment to promoting development that “reflect the vision and aspirations of local communities” via “meaningful engagement and collaboration with neighbourhoods”. Yet the emphasis of the Framework on “a presumption” in favour of sustainable development, and the clear emphasis on growth and economic factors as a policy imperative, may run up against the Government’s simultaneous commitment to both Localism and Community Rights and the presentation notes two very clear differences in tone within the one document