What is the National Planning Policy Framework?
The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these should be applied. It provides a framework within which locally-prepared plans can provide for sufficient housing and other development in a sustainable manner. Preparing and maintaining up-to-date plans should be seen as a priority in meeting this objective.
The National Planning Policy Framework was revised in response to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy consultation on 19 December 2023.
The revised National Planning Policy Framework provides the Government’s planning policy for plan-making and must be considered in the determination of planning applications.
The government has also published the Planning Practice Guidance which supports national planning policy and which provides advice in relation to plan-making and planning decisions.