A comprehensive rewrite of the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) is currently underway, with government consultation responses due in early 2026. This is arguably the most consequential planning policy development affecting all planning applications in England at the moment, so it deserves its own news article!
Why it’s important
The rewrite/consultation proposes a fundamental shift in how planning decisions are framed, The Government proposes a new, more rules-based and growth-oriented planning policy — intended to give greater certainty about what kinds of development should be permitted and reduce subjective interpretation. There is also stronger focus on housing delivery and economic growth. The reforms emphasise proactive delivery of new homes, including support for higher density development around transport hubs and a permanent presumption in favour of ‘suitably located development’.
While sustainability remains an objective, the draft NPPF suggests ways to simplify environmental requirements (for example aspects of biodiversity and net zero guidance) so that development can be approved more predictably. These changes will affect almost every planning application in England from householder schemes to large strategic developments by reshaping the policy tests against which applications are judged.
Planning and Infrastructure Bill
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill (now moving through Parliament) seeks to introduce structural change to the planning system. It proposes, among other things: reducing the number of legal challenges to planning decisions, shifting more decisions to officer delegations (fewer planning committees!) and establishing a Nature Restoration Fund to supplement ecological mitigation approaches. This Bill has the potential to change how planning decisions are made, not just what is decided affecting the balance between speed of delivery, environmental protection, and public participation.
Acceleration of Housing Delivery and Infrastructure Approvals
The Government’s big policy push remains to unlock millions of new homes and bigger infrastructure projects reflected in both government announcements and policy commitments. Key aspects include a new emphasis on housing around transport nodes, including potential Green Belt land, to accelerate development, public and industry discussion about planning delays stalling strategic projects such as reservoirs and rural infrastructure, which politicians are seeking to address through reform and legislative change. These shifts push the system towards pace and deliverability, potentially reducing uncertainty for developers — but also raising debates about local control, environmental standards and community influence.
Balancing Environment and Growth
A major current theme closely linked to these reforms is reconciling environmental sustainability with the drive for growth. This includes debates over how environmental protections (such as biodiversity, climate resilience and habitat restoration) fit within a system geared towards faster approvals and whether smaller sites might be exempted from some environmental requirements (which has drawn criticism from nature-conservation bodies).
The Government has announced that a new Biodiversity Net Gain exemption will be introduced for sites of 0.2ha or less – which could be a game changer for small plots and proposals which are often more constrained in terms of land availability and cost.
Summary
At the moment, the one of the most interesting and relevant topics across the English planning system is therefore the ongoing Government-led reform of the planning framework, centring on a rewritten Framework and supported by new planning legislation. This agenda intends to: redefine how planning decisions are made, speed up decision-making and reduce uncertainty, reframe sustainability requirements, and better align local plans with national delivery goals.
These reforms will shape every type of planning application from small house extensions to major infrastructure making them fundamentally relevant to planning practitioners, developers, local authorities, and communities alike. It is therefore key that any applications you are submitted are supported by consultants keeping up to date with the constantly changing planning system to ensure the best outcome.