UK Government updates National Planning Policy Framework

The UK government has released an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introducing new rules designed to accelerate housing development. A key feature of the update is a default ‘yes’ for new home construction near public transport hubs to improve connectivity and address the housing crisis.

The framework introduces a new ‘medium’ site category and provides increased support for development within defined settlements and specific rural uses, such as building reuse and community-led development. While existing local and neighbourhood plans remain part of statutory development, new national decision-making policies apply immediately, potentially reducing the weight of local policies that are materially inconsistent with the NPPF.

In conjunction with these planning changes, the government announced a £39bn social housebuilding programme aimed at delivering over 70,000 social and affordable homes in England over the next decade. Funding has been allocated to several regions, including London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, and the North East. Additionally, a consultation has been launched regarding expanding planning powers to English mayors, mirroring the authority currently held by the Mayor of London.