Labour’s National Planning Policy Framework to Deliver 1.5m New Homes

Labour’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to Deliver 1.5m New Homes

James Firth

James Firth

Jul, 30 2024

The new Labour Government has published major revisions to the NPPF today. These changes aim to deliver radical reforms and create a pro-growth planning system that meets Labour’s manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million homes. Public consultation is now open, and adoption is planned for late September. These proposals will significantly impact planning projects, landowners, and developers.

Key Updates in the NPPF

Sustainable Development Presumption

The Government has changed the presumption in favour of sustainable development where land supply policies are out of date.

Green Belt Reviews

Local authorities must review Green Belt land if there is not enough brownfield land to meet housing, commercial, or development needs.

Affordable Housing Focus

The revisions place greater emphasis on affordable housing delivery across all developments.

Mandatory Housing Targets

New mandatory housing targets will use a revised standard methodology to reflect urgent supply needs in each local authority area.

Stronger Affordability Ratio

The framework introduces a stronger affordability ratio to better reflect housing needs in high-price areas.

Land Supply and Development Opportunities

  • Five-Year Land Supply: Requirements return, allowing planning applications to proceed where local plans fail to deliver.
  • Mixed Tenure Sites: Increased support for developments offering mixed tenure housing.
  • Redevelopment in Green Belt: The test for previously developed land changes from “greater impact on openness” to “substantial harm.” This could allow more development on brownfield sites.
  • Grey Belt Definition: Grey Belt land includes previously developed land or parcels with limited contribution to Green Belt purposes.
  • Grey Belt Development: Sites will not be considered inappropriate if they provide added benefits such as 50% affordable housing, infrastructure, and public green spaces.

Additional Policy Changes

  • Removal of the term “beauty” introduced by the previous government.
  • Local plans must identify sites for renewable and low-carbon energy and support applications for all forms of such development.
  • Deletion of footnote 64, which previously required consideration of land for food production.
  • Increased viability requirements for Green Belt sites where policy-compliant contributions cannot be achieved.
  • New transitional arrangements based on each local authority’s progress in local plan-making.
  • Ministerial decisions must be made within 13 weeks.

Local Plans and Housing Delivery

Councils must continue to maintain local plans. The Government will intervene where authorities fail to deliver.
Homes England funding becomes more flexible to support housing delivery. Councils, housing associations, and other providers must deliver genuinely affordable housing, backed by Government investment, borrowing rule changes, and rent stability.

What This Means for Landowners and Developers

These changes represent a major shift in planning policy. They create new opportunities for landowners, developers, and those focused on delivering homes and jobs. Understanding these reforms and acting early will be key to success.

Relevant Service Areas

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