Introduction to the NPPF

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) plays a vital role in the English planning system, providing essential guidelines and principles for decision-making processes related to land use, development, and the environment. Established by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, the NPPF was first introduced in 2012, aiming to simplify and consolidate numerous different planning documents into a single document. Its primary objective is to ensure that the planning system contributes to sustainable development by balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations.

The NPPF holds an important legal status as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. It also plays a vital role in local plan making. Local planning authorities must align their local plans with the framework's policies, ensuring that local planning policies are broadly consistent with national objectives.

Overall, the National Planning Policy Framework is a vital tool in the English planning system, designed to streamline processes, ensure consistency, and promote sustainable development. Its comprehensive and integrated approach serves as a guide for planners, developers, and local authorities, making it a critical element in shaping the future of England's built environment.

Core Principles of the NPPF

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is underpinned by several core principles designed to guide the planning process in England. One of the primary objectives of the NPPF is promoting sustainable development, including the provision of homes, commercial development, and supporting infrastructure in a sustainable manner.

This principle emphasises balancing economic, social, and environmental factors to ensure that these overarching objectives, which are interdependent and need to be developed in mutually supportive ways. At paragraph 8, the NPPF provides economic, social and environmental objectives for development in England.

Another fundamental principle is boosting the supply of homes. The NPPF aims to address the housing crisis by ensuring that local authorities plan for and facilitate the construction of an adequate supply of homes. This includes providing a variety of housing types to meet the diverse needs of the population, such as affordable housing, family homes, and accommodations for the elderly. The goal is to create stable and vibrant communities where people have access to suitable living conditions.

Protecting the environment is also a crucial tenet of the NPPF. It mandates that planning policies should contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment. This includes safeguarding valuable landscapes, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The framework promotes the prudent use of natural resources and encourages developments that reduce pollution and waste, fostering a healthier and more resilient environment.

Lastly, fostering economic growth is a key objective of the NPPF. It seeks to support a strong, competitive economy by ensuring that the planning system facilitates the right conditions for businesses to thrive. This involves providing adequate infrastructure, supporting innovation, and creating job opportunities. The NPPF aims to enhance the vitality of town centres and promote balanced growth across different regions, contributing to a prosperous national economy.

How the NPPF Impacts Decision Making

The NPPF has an important role as a significant material consideration in deciding planning applications in England. This means that Councils can, and often do, depart from their own local policies because of policies set out in the NPPF.

One example of this is where a Council is not delivering enough housing in their area, the Council will be required to apply paragraph 11 of the NPPF, which is often referred to as the 'tilted balance'.

What is NPPF paragraph 11?

Paragraph 11 of the NPPF is one of the most critical and controversial elements on the planning system in England. From a plan-making perspective it ensures that plans promote a sustainable pattern of development, including meeting housing and economic needs.

When deciding planning applications, paragraph 11 of the NPPF requires planning permission to be granted when the most important policies are 'out-of-date', unless the NPPF protects areas or assets of importance or the adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

This means that where a Council is not supplying enough homes or their plans are too old, they may have to apply paragraph 11 of the NPPF and grant permission to schemes that they would not otherwise have done.

How the NPPF Impacts Development Plans

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) serves as a pivotal guide for shaping local development plans. Local Plans outline the long-term strategy for development in a specific area, and they must align with the principles set out in the NPPF.

The NPPF requires Local Plans to be found 'sound' by an independent Planning Inspector. Paragraph 35 of the NPPF states that local plans are 'sound' if they are positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with national policy. This often creates a scenario where local planning policies replicate national planning policies.

The History of the NPPF

The NPPF was first introduced in 2012, replacing a number of different planning policy documents. Since then it has been updated on a number of occasions. After their election victory in July 2024, the Labour Government launched a consultation on proposed changes to the NPPF, with an updated version to be published in late 2024 / early 2025.