National Planning Policy Framework consultation and next phase of planning reform

On 16 December 2025, the government set out the next phase of their planning reform agenda, including a rewrite of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which will:

• Introduce a permanent presumption in favour of suitably located development, along with preferential treatment for developments which support local economies.
• Support higher density developments in sustainable locations. Making it easier for SME builders to build to a higher density.
• Support the development of small and medium sites, including a new medium site category (10-49 homes).
• Implement a default "yes" to building homes around train stations.
• Improve the diverse mix of housing, including rural affordable homes and accessible homes for older and disabled people.
• Streamline Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and encourage new builds to have nature-friendly features (e.g., swift bricks).

Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has written to planning and housing stakeholders setting out these proposals.

We will be responding to the consultation on behalf of the sector. The consultation will run until 10 March 2026, and you can read full details on the government’s website.

If you have any questions or want to submit your response to the consultation, please get in touch.