What is changing in the draft NPPF?
The draft Framework places a stronger emphasis on growth and delivery. Ministers argue that the existing system has become overly cautious and inconsistent, contributing to delays and uncertainty. The revised NPPF seeks to rebalance this by giving greater weight to meeting housing need and supporting development that aligns with national priorities.
Key themes include clearer expectations for local authorities to plan positively for growth, a renewed focus on up-to-date local plans, and stronger language around the importance of approving sustainable development where need is clearly identified. The UK Government also signals that planning decisions should move more quickly, with fewer opportunities for unnecessary delay.
Housing delivery and local plans
A central aim of the reforms is to ensure that local plans are in place and kept up to date. Where plans are absent or out of date, the draft NPPF reinforces the presumption in favour of sustainable development, making it harder for authorities to refuse proposals that meet identified housing need.
This approach reflects long-standing Propertymark concerns about inconsistency between local authorities and the impact that slow or outdated planning processes have on housing supply. We have repeatedly highlighted that without a functioning and predictable planning system, targets for new homes are unlikely to be met.
Environmental rules and development
While environmental protection remains a stated objective, the draft Framework suggests a more pragmatic approach, particularly where mitigation can be delivered in ways that do not block housing or infrastructure entirely.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, MP, stated the plans will attract some criticism; however, the UK Government is fully committed to acting in the face of a housing crisis that has become a genuine emergency in some parts of Britain.
How this fits with wider reform
The NPPF consultation sits alongside the new planning and infrastructure legislation and other reforms designed to “get Britain building again”. Propertymark has welcomed the recognition that planning reform is necessary but has also been clear that changes must be properly resourced and supported at the local level.
Staffing shortages in planning departments, inconsistent decision-making, and the cumulative impact of policy changes are still major constraints on delivery. Reform of national policy alone will not resolve these issues without parallel investment and capacity building.
Representing members
We will continue to engage with the UK Government, parliamentarians and stakeholders to highlight the practical realities faced by agents, developers and communities. Our focus will be on ensuring that reforms lead to a planning system that is clear, consistent and capable of supporting high-quality development across all tenures.
