NPPF 2026 - A Complete Overhaul of National Planning Policy

Introduction

NPPF 2026 represents the most significant change to national planning policy since the introduction of the first iteration of the NPPF back in 2012.

For the first time, it proposes the creation of national development management policies, an entirely new layer of guidance that will reshape how planning decisions are made across the country.

Material changes are proposed to key planning policies including green belt protection, the presumption in favour of sustainable development and heritage protection. New policies are also to be introduced including protection for chalk streams and supporting clean energy and water.

Understanding the scale and direction of these changes is essential for anyone involved in planning, development, or environmental stewardship. Now is the moment to engage with the draft, assess its implications and prepare for the new planning landscape it will create.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• The structure and approach involving 'local plan style' numbered policies
• The new hierarchy of plans including spatial development strategies and the four tests which they must meet
• National decision-making policies
• The new presumption in favour of sustainable development based on whether development is within or outside a settlement
• Green belt policy
• The new policies encouraging development near railway stations
• A new medium development category for 10-49 homes on sites of up to 2.5 hectares
• Changes to protected sites and landscapes and the approach to heritage assets
• New policies including mandatory swift bricks, protection for chalk streams and policies on clean energy and water