Consultation launched on new National Planning Policy Framework

The government has launched a consultation on a revamped National Planning Policy Framework.

Hundreds of thousands of homes are set to be built under new planning rules.

The government already reversed anti-supply measures in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) last year and now plans to make the system clearer, more predictable, and faster to build 1.5 million new homes over this Parliament. 

The new changes are designed to optimise land use through well-designed, higher-density development, simplified biodiversity rules for smaller sites – and fast-track good housing projects that meet national standards for energy efficiency.

The revisions include a default ‘yes’ to suitable homes being built around rail stations, alongside minimum housing density rules and providing the same ‘yes’ to new homes building upwards in towns and cities.

The changes will make it easier for developers to build higher density housing, such as modern apartments and flats, on smaller sites and under-used land where appropriate. 

There will be a new medium-site category for sites between 10 to 49 homes so SME builders face proportionate rules and costs for their site size.

Standards for energy efficiency and Biodiversity Net Gain will be standardised to give builders certainty on plans for new homes. 

A more diverse mix of housing will be encouraged, such as rural affordable homes and accessible homes for older people and those with disabilities.

New builds will include nature-friendly features, such as installing swift bricks, to support wildlife.

Preferential treatment will be given to developments that  strengthen local economies and provide new services, including shops, leisure facilities, and food production.

A consultation has been launched on the proposed changes, which will close on 10 March.

Housing secretary Steve Reed said: "Right now we see a planning system that still isn’t working well enough. A system saying ‘no’ more often than it says ‘yes’ and that favours obstructing instead of building.

"It has real-world consequences for those aspiring to own a home of their own and those hoping to escape so-called temporary accommodation – we owe it to the people of this country to do everything within our power to build the homes they deserve.

"We’ve already laid the groundwork to get Britain building but our planning overhaul was only the first step to fix the housing crisis we face. And today I’m going further than ever before to hit 1.5 million homes and place the key to homeownership into the hands of thousands more hardworking people and families."

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said: "For too long our economy has been held back by a housing system that slows growth, frustrates business, and prices the next generation out of a secure home.

"These reforms back the builders not the blockers, unlock investment and make it easier to build the 1.5 million new homes across every region– rebuilding the foundations of our economy and making affordable homes a reality for working people once again."