The National Planning Policy Framework: Everything You Need To Know
12 Feb, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- What the National Planning Policy Framework is.
- The evolution of the National Planning Policy Framework.
- Recent revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework.
- Why the National Planning Policy Framework is important.
- Where the latest planning jobs are and how to apply for them.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) essentially acts like a rulebook for the planning sector and is used to guide local planning authorities when it comes to planning developments. In our latest insights piece, we’re delving into everything you need to know about the NPPF and why it’s important that the planning sector uses the framework to guide decision making and planning activity.
What is the National Planning Policy Framework?
The National Planning Policy Framework is an important document within the planning sector that sets out the UK government’s policies for land use planning throughout England. Available to view on the government website, the framework provides guidance on how to develop local plans and decide on planning applications for local planning authorities.
The NPPF covers housing, transport, the economy, business and the natural environment within its national planning policies and was first published in 2012.
Within its pages, the document covers a number of key points related to planning. For example, the NPPF guides the needs for sustainable developments and planning decisions that support environmental protection.
The framework also refers to housing targets for local authorities in order to ensure that they are providing affordable housing to those in a local community. Economic growth is another important part of the National Planning Policy Framework with the encouragement of investments in transport and digital infrastructure being used to enhance the local and national economy.
The requirement for high-quality developments is also covered within the NPPF in order to ensure that the UK planning sector is always adhering to the highest and safest standards.
The National Planning Policy Framework also plays an important part in setting out the criteria for a local plan. Should a developer want to build on or change the way a piece of land is used, they must seek permission from their local planning authority (LPA). The LPA will then be guided in their decision making by referring to a document setting out the current and future needs of their local community, known as the local plan. Central government will also scrutinise the local plan and then appoint a Planning Inspectorate who is responsible for examining the plan using the criteria set out in the NPPF.
The evolution of the National Planning Policy Framework
Originally created in 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework has evolved significantly since its inception in order to reflect changes within local and national government priorities, environmental awareness and the increasing demand for housing throughout the UK.
The NPPF was initially created to replace over 1,000 pages of policy documents that were used to govern the UK planning system but thought to be overcomplicated.
In March 2012 the first NPPF was introduced and streamlined planning guidance into a single 50-page document, focusing on housing growth and economic development.
In 2018, the NPPF was then revised to address the housing crisis and introduced a ‘housing delivery test’ in order to ensure that local councils were meeting the targets set for creating new homes. A year later, the NPPF then went through further refinements which saw better design standards and environmental sustainability.
2021 witnessed another revision for the National Planning Policy Framework which was carried out to support the UK’s net-zero targets and strengthen policies around energy efficiency. This revision also uncovered the concept of ‘20-minute’ neighbourhoods, promoting the efficiency of local amenities and encouraging the reduction in car dependency.
December 2023 updates meant the NPPF responded to concerns surrounding national housing targets, making them ‘advisory’ rather than ‘mandatory’ and allowing local authorities more flexibility.
The most recent updates to the NPPF took place in December 2024 and again amended in February 2025 to ensure the intent of some paragraphs were clear.
Recent revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework
In December 2024, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government published a revised version of the NPPF. The changes included the reintroduction of mandatory housing targets (reversing the changes made in 2023), along with the restoration of five-year housing land supply rules and allowing local planning authorities to set their own ‘golden rules’ regarding affordable housing through local plans. The government also announced their intention to move forward with measures from the proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill that would allow local planning authorities to set their own fees.
Why is the National Planning Policy Framework important?
The National Planning Policy Framework is important for a variety of reasons, including:
- Supporting sustainable development.
- Promoting economic growth.
- Guiding housing delivery.
- Empowering local decision making.
Supporting sustainable development
The National Planning Policy Framework plays an important role in encouraging planners to balance the economic growth of local communities alongside environmental protection. Planning recruitment specialist, Josh Draycott, says “With the UK government aiming to reach its net-zero by 2050 target, the planning sector plays a really important part in promoting sustainable practices when it comes to planning decisions.”
The NPPF helps to ensure that new developments are planned with climate change, energy efficiency and biodiversity at their core.
Promoting economic growth
The National Planning Policy Framework works to guide investments within public services, transport and digital connectivity within towns and cities across the UK. The framework helps to set out the planning of mixed-use developments that aim to integrate housing, jobs and retail.
Guiding housing delivery
Setting out housing targets within local authorities, the NPPF ensures that there are enough houses being built to meet the demand from local communities. It is also essential to ensure that housing is affordable for those living and working in towns and cities across the UK and as per the government's Levelling-Up initiative, that there are no disparities between regions.
The NPPF has been revised multiple times to account for housing needs and to address the UK’s housing crisis.
Empowering decision making
The National Planning Policy Framework ensures that decision making is reflecting the needs of communities and that all decision making is carried out with a communities best interests at heart. The framework sets out national standards to prevent inconsistent policies occurring throughout the UK.
Contact a town planning recruitment specialist
Josh Draycott is a dedicated private sector and local authority Town Planning recruitment specialist with a diverse background in recruitment.
With a strong focus on the planning industry, Josh recruits for a wide range of roles, including Town Planners, Policy Planners, Urban Planners, Development Management Planners and Directors of Planning. His expertise lies in sourcing both interim and permanent talent to meet the planning objectives of his clients.
Planning jobs
If you’re searching for your next town planning job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Town planning recruitment services
As town planning recruitment specialists, we support local authorities and private sector businesses nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent recruitment needs.
Josh has built long-standing, trusted relationships with numerous local council planning departments, delivering tailored recruitment solutions that address the dynamic and evolving demands of the town planning sector.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, get in touch with Josh Draycott on 01772 954200 to see how we can help.
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