What is the National Planning Policy Framework?

Planning policy, in simple terms, shapes much of how we live. From large quarrying and warehousing projects to houses and roads, it determines what gets built where. But what guides decision-making when it comes to planning? The answer is the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The NPPF is a document which acts as the rulebook for planning. It advises local planning authorities (LPAs, usually district or county councils) and developers on what they can and cannot do when planning developments. Developments in this regard can refer to anything from roads and buildings but also changes in land use (such as converting offices into housing). It contains a range of policies that ultimately determine what gets built where.

Although currently non-statutory (not enshrined in law), the NPPF is a vitally important framework. It can shape how we can build the houses and infrastructure we need in a way that protects our countryside and involves local communities.

What’s in the NPPF?

The NPPF is a wide-ranging document which is available to view on the government website. It sets out national planning policies covering housing, the economy, business, transport and the countryside and natural environment. It covers many policies which are key to CPRE, from the Green Belt to affordable housing and tranquillity.

The structure of the document is quite straightforward. Each chapter covers a different area, for example housing, or communications, and any associated policies and guidance are housed within. For example, one section sets out that developments should be guided by policies which promote social interaction and support healthy lifestyles.

The NPPF and planning

To understand what the NPPF is used for, and why it’s important, it’s important to understand how our planning system works. So, time for a crash course!

In its broadest sense, our planning system is a toolbox which contains the rules, guidelines and democratic process that help us plan for and manage how we use land. In this context, the NPPF forms part of the guidelines. Planning ultimately determines what gets built where, and the NPPF is intended to provide the checks and balances: to make sure developments and plans are sustainable, well-located, and with maximum benefit to people, communities, the economy and the environment.

Development, local and neighbourhood plans

If a developer (or an individual) wants to build something, or change the way a piece of land is used (for example converting a plot of land to a block of flats), they need to get permission from their LPA. To guide the LPA’s decision-making, the ‘local plan’ is consulted, which is a document that sets out a vision for the current and future needs of the communities they represent – whether it be economically, socially or environmentally.

Local plans are critical documents which shape development in a local area. As a citizen, you can feed into the preparation of your area’s local plan and we’d always recommend you do so – because once they’re adopted, many of the big decisions which shape the future of your local area have already been made. Local plans are also scrutinised by central government, which appoints a planning inspectorate to examine the plan for ‘soundness’. This brings us full circle, because the criteria for a ‘sound’ local plan is set out in – you guessed it – the NPPF.

On an even more local level, a neighbourhood plan may exist, where communities can set out policies which shape what gets built where in their own neighbourhood.

Local plans and neighbourhood plans (if ‘made’) form a major part of an area’s ‘development plan’, all underpinned by the NPPF. This is really where we get to the heart of what our planning system is about. The development plan guides all planning decisions in a local area, and the NPPF guides how development plans are made and enacted.

What’s this NPPF consultation all about?

The NPPF isn’t a document fixed in time. The government routinely proposes revisions to the NPPF in accordance with its policies, and when this happens, a consultation is usually launched. This is where organisations like CPRE can influence what changes, and try to ensure that the NPPF delivers what we think is needed for a thriving countryside. The current consultation ends in September 2024.

From Green Belt policy and brownfield registers to the protection of national landscapes and green spaces, CPRE has a great track record of influencing the NPPF. We’ll be working with our network of local CPREs across the country to build a collective consultation response.

Although our response is in progress, here are some of the key areas we’ll be focusing on:

• Pushing for a definition of ‘grey belt’ that isn’t so subjective and open to exploitation
• Incorporating targets for brownfield development and genuinely affordable housing
• Amending the definition of ‘affordable housing’ in the NPPF to reflect average local incomes
• Pushing for the inclusion of rooftop solar targets
• Ensuring that rural communities get a voice in planning decisions

Full response soon

Planning is at the heart of so much that affects our daily lives: housing, green spaces, transport and roads, schools, shops, energy, communications and the countryside are all affected by planning policy. That’s why these consultations are so important, and why we’re keen for everyone to understand why.

Check back soon for our full response to this vital consultation. In the meantime, you can join our mailing list to get monthly campaign newsletters or donate to CPRE to help support our work for a thriving countryside. If you’d like to get involved in local planning matters, find your local CPRE group and get in touch – you really do make a difference!