Recent government proposals aimed at overhauling England’s planning system have come under fire for failing to address the safety of women and girls, raising concerns from urban planners and campaigners alike. Despite the simultaneous release of a strategy to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG), experts warn that these draft plans risk perpetuating existing inequalities.
Critical Oversight in Planning Policy
The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which outlines the government’s ambition to significantly boost housing development, notably omits any mention of women, girls, or gender-specific safety issues in the context of urban planning. Liberal Democrat MPs Anna Sabine and Gideon Amos have expressed their dismay over this glaring omission, which they argue embeds risks and inequalities into future developments.
In a letter addressed to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook and Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, the MPs stated, “Planning policy is one of the most powerful structural tools the state has to prevent harm before it occurs.” They emphasised that neglecting gendered safety in the NPPF compromises the safety of women and girls in public spaces.
Response from Government Officials
When approached for comment, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) defended the separation of the NPPF from the VAWG strategy, asserting that the two documents serve distinct purposes. They expressed confusion as to why critics expected a direct correlation between planning guidelines and strategies aimed at reducing violence against women.
Sabine rebuked this stance, branding it “incredibly arrogant.” She asserted that an understanding of how spatial design influences safety is essential for those in positions of authority within the MHCLG.
Calls for Enhanced Safety Measures
Susannah Walker, a consultant specialising in gender planning, highlighted that the draft proposals fail to integrate recommendations from the VAWG strategy and the second report from the Angiolini inquiry—initiated after the tragic murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021. Walker pointed out that unless councils are mandated to prioritise women’s safety, vital considerations may be overlooked due to budget constraints.
She remarked, “Councils are underfunded, so if it doesn’t go in the NPPF, then it just gets left out because it’s not mandatory.” This exclusion comes at a time when significant government reports advocate for urban designs that enhance safety for women.
A Call to Action
Phillips has long maintained that achieving the government’s goal to halve instances of violence against women and girls within a decade requires a concerted effort across all departments. The importance of integrating safety measures into planning policies cannot be overstated, as it can lead to tangible benefits for women and girls in public life.
Sabine encouraged Phillips to take decisive action, urging her to “march into” Pennycook’s office to advocate for the necessary changes to the draft framework. She concluded, “If you take into account women and girls’ safety, you can make very practical decisions that will really benefit women and girls’ lives.”
Why it Matters
The exclusion of women’s safety from England’s planning proposals represents a significant oversight that could have lasting repercussions. As urban areas evolve, the failure to consider gendered safety in planning not only perpetuates existing inequalities but also undermines the government’s commitment to protect women and girls. Ensuring that urban spaces are designed with their safety in mind is essential for fostering inclusive environments where everyone can feel secure and valued.
