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ARTICLE · 03 SEPTEMBER 2026

The New NPPF: Key Takeaways

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The UK government has introduced sweeping reforms to national planning policy through the new National Planning Policy Framework published in August 2026. These changes establish strategic planning through Spatial Development Strategies, create clear presumptions for development approvals based on location, and introduce stricter controls on viability assessments that could fundamentally reshape how development decisions are made across England.

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Clemmie Edgeworth
Clemmie Edgeworth

The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published on 17 August 2026, introduces some of the most significant changes to national planning policy in recent years.

The reforms include the return of strategic planning through Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs), a new policy approach to development within and outside settlements, a strong presumption in favour of development around well-connected railway stations, and a more restrictive approach to viability assessments at application stage.

In this article, we examine these key reforms and consider what they mean in practice for developers and other stakeholders across the planning system.

Spatial Development Strategies

One of the most significant reforms introduced by the NPPF is the revival of strategic planning at a sub-regional level through Spatial Development Strategies. Under policy PM1, SDSs will look ahead for at least 25 years and are intended to sit ‘above’ local plans, addressing issues which are often

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