NEW laws will lead to “planning by appeal” developers have warned.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) came into force this month.

The new legislation creates a “presumption in favour of development”.

But a West Yorkshire developer has warned that councils’ ignorance of the new rules could lead to a rise in appeals.

Bob May, Leeds office director of Turley Associates, said: “The NPPF effectively turns planning policy on its head and it is therefore not that surprising that uncertainty reigns.

“It requires those bringing forward development schemes to consider the NPPF in its entirety.

“It effectively means that if a development scheme falls down on one aspect it may still comply with the wider NPPF aims and should not be refused.

“We expect to see a significant increase in planning appeals.”