Planning system reform – have your say

The latest revisions to the NPPF focus on accelerating housing delivery and economic development while updating key land use and infrastructure policies.

The strengthened presumption in favour of sustainable development allows developers to bypass local plans if they are outdated or insufficient, potentially increasing housing projects.

The reintroduction of a mandatory duty to cooperate among local authorities aims to improve strategic planning for housing, infrastructure, and economic goals.

Housing supply requirements have been reinforced, with a new standard method affecting housing targets and emphasising social rent within affordable housing provisions. This change is expected to boost housebuilding across various regions.

Support for large-scale economic projects, such as giga-factories and data centres, has been expanded, likely driving interest in land near urban areas and potentially impacting agricultural operations due to new infrastructure needs.

Simplifications in land use policies now allow for easier high-density development in areas previously restricted by local character considerations.

Additionally, minor updates have been made to policies on school provision, sustainable transport, and communications infrastructure, while more significant changes include removing the term ‘beauty’ from design considerations and easing restrictions on upward extensions in lower-density areas.

These revisions collectively aim to streamline development processes, enhance cooperation among authorities, and support the government’s broader housing and economic objectives.