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ARTICLE · 11 JANUARY 2024

The Updated National Planning Policy Framework: Key Planning And Housing Changes

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The Government has updated the National Planning Policy Framework, including changes primarily in relation to housing delivery and land supply...

United KingdomReal Estate and Construction
Gary Soloman
Gary Soloman
Matthew Tucker
Matthew Tucker

Shortly before Christmas, on 19 December 2023, the Government published its long-awaited revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework ("NPPF"), following a year-long process of consultation. The revised NPPF sets out the Government's planning policies and how these will be applied.

The biggest change is that the revised NPPF introduces various reforms to housing delivery. The revised NPPF also includes new drafting on protection from "out of character" residential development, Green Belt alterations, energy efficient building improvements and allocation of agricultural land for development.

The key changes are set out below:

1. Reforms to housing delivery

The Government's intention with these changes is to increase the delivery of new housing, by giving local planning authorities a strong incentive to update their Local Plans, amidst a supply shortage in many areas of the country.

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