On 17 August 2026, the Government published a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) following consultation undertaken in December 2025.

This contains a major shake-up of existing policy, with a completely reformatted NPPF and the introduction of national development management policies. The intention is for these changes to support the move to a truly plan-led system and remove perceived ambiguities in the development management process to speed up consenting and drive growth.

These changes come into force for development management purposes on the day the new NPPF was published so decision makers will need to familiarise themselves with the changes as soon as possible.

We will be following up with articles exploring some of the major changes over the next week, but the headline changes are as follows:

1. The NPPF has been reformatted – the numbered paragraphs have been removed with policy references that make the document more closely resemble a local development plan rather than the classic NPPF. There is also a clearer split between plan-making and development management policies.
    
2. The development management policies in the NPPF have been labelled national development management policies - these have been introduced on a non-statutory basis but Appendix 1 of the new NPPF provides that existing local plan policies that are inconsistent with the development management policies in the NPPF are to be given very limited weight.
    
3. A strengthened presumption in favour of sustainable development within settlement boundaries - which is being referred to as a ‘permanent presumption in favour of sustainable development’ – see policy S4.
    
4. The introduction of a ‘default yes’  to new housing developments of suitable density within the vicinity of ‘well connected stations’ - this includes railway stations, tram stations, and underground stations within a top 80 ‘Travel to Work Area’ – see policy S5.
    
5. The removal of the application of the formerly footnote 7 policies to the test for grey belt -  this is intended to simplify the test on the basis that these policies will be considered as part of the wider development management process.
    
6. The introduction of a policy framework for the creation of spatial development strategies – this coincides with the program of local government reorganisation intended to create universal coverage in England of strategic planning authorities.
    
7. The protection of ‘key community assets’ - including pubs and music venues unless it can be demonstrated there is no reasonable prospect of the use being retained or a replacement use being provided.
    
8. New policy support for development - to maintain and enhance the viability of farms, including on-farm reservoirs. - see Policy E4.
    
9. A requirement for 40% of dwellings on major sites to be provided to accessible M4(2) standards.
    
10. Clearer policy support for clean energy and water infrastructure - in policies W1 through W4, as well as support for the use of swift bricks in new build housing. 

Keep an eye out for our articles unpacking the most important changes but if you have any questions in the meantime please get in touch.