What's New In The Updated NPPF?

Summary

On 12 December 2024, the updated NPPF consulted on over the summer, came into immediate effect. The pro-development changes aim to increase housing delivery, support development generally and in particular key growth sectors whilst placing a stronger emphasis on sustainability, tackling climate change and promoting green energy.

The Government's drive for economic growth continues with the anticipated publication of the wide ranging revisions to the NPPF, which is the primary document that sets out the Government's nationwide framework of planning policies. Whilst there are no radical departures from the policy changes consulted on, rather some 'refinements' have been made, the updated NPPF nonetheless introduces some hefty changes to some key policies, along with smaller, more nuanced ones, all of which feed into how local plans are prepared and how planning decision are taken across England.