Revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) December 2024
James Firth
Dec, 12 2024The much anticipated revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has been published by the Government, bringing forward some of the most significant changes to the planning system.
When considered in combination, the changes are expected to result in a new era of opportunity for those seeking to promote land, bring forward planning applications, and work to deliver the growth, homes and jobs required.
The new framework will take immediate effect for decision-making on planning applications and transitional arrangements will apply for Local Plan making. The published version follows the consultation run by the Government in July to September of this year, and takes forward most of the measures proposed.
Key points to take away:
Boosting Housing Land Supply
- The Standard Method for calculated housing need is to be used by Local Authorities in determining their minimum housing requirements, which should provide certainty as well as ensuring a more positive approach to addressing the acute shortage of homes.
- The new Standard Method has been confirmed, which will result in a significant increase in the calculation of local housing needs for a large number of local authorities. The resulting need to review plans and identify additional sites for housing will present both a challenge and opportunity for those involved in the development and planning sector.
- Changes the 2023 NPPF previously introduced, that excusing some authorities from having to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, have been undone. This will provide greater support for planning applications where the homes provided who help meet shortfalls in housing supply.
- Where Local Plans based on old targets are still in place from July 2026, Council’s will need to provide six years housing land supply.
Green Belt
- The importance of Green Belts with regards to openness and permanence is retained in national policy.
- There is however recognition that not all Green Belt is equal, and the revised NPPF takes a more permissive approach to land which performs less well against the designation’s objectives.
- In particular, a more permissive approach of ‘grey belt’, as was previously identified in the consultation draft.
- Opportunities for redevelopment of previously developed land, including smaller scale sites will also be supported through changes to policy.
Employment
- Alongside the stated aim to deliver 1.5 million homes, the NPPF also provides further support for commercial development, including potentially on Green Belt land.
- Increases to housing targets are also anticipated to result in a significant increase in the jobs required within local authority areas and support for employment developments.
Transitional Arrangements
- Transitional arrangements apply setting out the provisions under which local authorities will still have their emerging Local Plans examined under the previous NPPF.
- There is however anticipated to be a need for local authorities to respond and plan for the changes immediately, particularly given that the framework will be relevant for decisions on planning applications from the date of publication.
The revised NPPF is a key part of the Government’s proposed changes to the planning system aimed at supporting growth and Labour’s manifesto pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
The policy changes contained within the NPPF will sit alongside a new Planning and Infrastructure Bill, anticipated to be introduced next month.
Angela Rayner Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has set out proposals for changes to processes for reporting of planning applications to committees, to increase the number of applications to be dealt with by planning officers under delegated powers. This ‘fast track’ process is aimed at proposals that are already identified in Local Plans, thereby potentially further increasing the role and importance of the Local Plan system. An increased use of National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) has also been proposed to cover developments such as prisons and seek to tackle overcrowding.
-
The government’s changes based on a set of new ‘golden rules’:
- Brownfield first
- Grey belt second
- Affordable homes
- Boost public services and infrastructure
- Improve genuine green spaces
Ceres Property has been working with landowners, developers and local authorities in the lead up to the NPPF publication to identify those areas where growth will be required.
This includes considering the impact the new NPPF will have on local authorities, identifying which areas will now be required to apply the ‘tilted balance’ in favour of developments.
The changes will commence a new period of opportunity in the planning system, in which there is real potential for big picture thinking and joint working to maximise the potential of land.
For more information, or planning advice, please do not hesitate to contact one of the team by emailing planning@ceresproperty.co.uk.
For media enquiries, please contact james.firth@ceresproperty.co.uk | 07920 486679