The Government has released a draft update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and it marks a significant shift in how planning policy could work going forward. This isn’t a light refresh, it’s a rethink of how national policy supports growth, homes, the economy, and the environment.
At Ethical Planning, we see this as an opportunity, but also a moment where clarity and balance will be essential.
What’s Changing?
One of the biggest moves in the draft is simplification. Policies that were previously scattered across different documents are being brought together into one clearer framework. In theory, this should make planning decisions more consistent and easier to navigate for everyone involved.
There’s also a stronger message running through the document; development in the right places should be welcomed, not resisted.
A More Positive Approach to Development
The draft framework places renewed emphasis on supporting development in sustainable locations, particularly towns, cities, and areas with good transport links. The aim is to make better use of land that already has infrastructure, services, and jobs nearby.
Higher-density development is encouraged where it makes sense, including building up rather than out, making use of underused sites, and supporting mixed-use schemes that bring homes, jobs, and services closer together.
Homes That Reflect Real Needs
Housing policy features heavily in the draft. There’s clearer support for a wider range of homes, including affordable housing, homes for older people, and accessible accommodation. In rural areas, there is recognition that small-scale housing can play an important role in keeping communities alive and balanced.
There’s also an effort to support smaller and medium-sized builders by recognising “medium” sites as their own category. This could help diversify the housing market and reduce reliance on very large developments alone.
Supporting the Economy and Town Centres
Economic growth is given greater weight in decision-making. The draft framework supports employment development, modern industries, and logistics where they are well located and designed.
Town centres are also given renewed attention, with policy encouraging a flexible approach to uses and a focus on keeping centres active, accessible, and relevant to how people live and work today.
Climate, Nature, and Heritage
Environmental considerations are more clearly embedded throughout the draft. There is stronger language around climate-responsive design, improving biodiversity, and ensuring development contributes positively to its surroundings.
Heritage is treated with a more balanced tone too, recognising the importance of protecting historic assets while allowing for thoughtful change that helps places evolve rather than stand still.
Our Take
Overall, the draft NPPF signals a more confident and proactive planning system, one that aims to deliver homes and growth while still valuing place, character, and the environment.
The real test will be how these policies are applied on the ground. Clear wording, sensible judgement, and local understanding will be key. This consultation is a chance to help shape a framework that works not just in theory, but in practice.
Ethical Planning’s Perspective on the National Planning Policy Consultation
Alongside the draft NPPF, the Government has launched a wider consultation looking at how national planning policy works as a whole. This isn’t just about changing individual policies, it’s about improving how the system functions from start to finish.
At Ethical Planning, we see this as an important moment to reset expectations and make planning more predictable, fair, and effective.
A Strive for Consistency
One of the main themes running through the consultation is consistency. Similar proposals can receive very different outcomes depending on where they are. The proposed changes aim to give clearer national direction, while still allowing local plans to shape how growth happens in each area.
If done well, this could reduce uncertainty, speed up decision-making, and help everyone better understand what is likely to be acceptable.
Balancing Growth and Local Character
The consultation recognises the need to deliver homes, jobs, and infrastructure, but also the importance of doing so in a way that respects local context. The challenge will be getting this balance right.
National policy can set expectations, but successful development still depends on good design, meaningful engagement, and an understanding of how places actually function day to day.
Why This Matters
Planning policy isn’t abstract. It influences housing affordability, access to jobs, how towns evolve, and how we respond to climate change. Changes at national level eventually filter down into local plans and individual decisions that affect real communities.
That’s why it’s important these reforms are not just simpler, but also fair, transparent, and genuinely focused on long-term outcomes.
Looking Ahead
This consultation is an opportunity for planners, developers, local authorities, and communities to help shape a planning system that works better for everyone. At Ethical Planning, we’ll be following the process closely and supporting clients to understand what these changes mean for their projects and their places.
Clear policy is only the starting point, thoughtful application is what makes planning truly ethical.