The December 2024 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) includes updates and clarifications compared to the December 2023 version. Here are some key changes:
Sustainable Development
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- Stronger encouragement to reuse previously developed land to minimise the environmental impact of new construction.
- Enhanced emphasis on climate adaptation and net environmental gains in development plans.
- Emphasis on the importance of renewable energy projects, directing local planning authorities (LPAs) to give “significant weight” to proposals that contribute to renewable energy generation and a net zero future.
Affordable Housing
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- Introduction of stricter requirements for affordable housing, especially in Green Belt areas, mandating at least 50% affordability on Green Belt developments.
- Adjustments in policies for vacant building contributions to affordable housing.
- A stricter requirement for higher proportions of affordable housing in major Green Belt developments.
Green Belt Policy
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- Detailed “Golden Rules” for development in Green Belt areas, prioritizing environmental and community benefits.
- Greater encouragement for development on brownfield (previously developed) sites within the Green Belt, provided they preserve its openness and meet local housing needs.
- Green Belt release remains a last resort, but local authorities must now provide robust evidence through regional collaboration (e.g., Statements of Common Ground) to show why housing needs cannot be met elsewhere.
- Exceptional circumstances for amending Green Belt boundaries where a LPA cannot meet its need for housing and commercial development.
- The “Grey Belt” now defined as land in the Green Belt comprising previously developed land with its purpose being to allow targeted development in areas where urban expansion may be necessary to meet housing or infrastructure needs without compromising the integrity of designated Green Belt land.
Housing Delivery and Monitoring
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- The HDT remains a critical tool for assessing whether LPA’s are meeting housing delivery targets, with enhanced consequences for underperformance:
- Below 95% – LPA’s must prepare an action plan to assess under delivery and outline measure for improvement.
- Below 85% – LPA’s must provide for a 20% buffer in their 5 YHLS to increase delivery prospects.
- Below 75% – the presumption in favour of sustainable development automatically applies, requiring LPA’s to approve housing proposals unless significant harm can be demonstrated.
- LPA’s are required to update their housing supply figures annually.
- 5 year supply calculations must include appropriate buffers (e.g., 5%, 20%) based on past delivery performance.
- LPA’s have a duty to co-operate and identify matters which require collaboration across boundaries.
- The HDT remains a critical tool for assessing whether LPA’s are meeting housing delivery targets, with enhanced consequences for underperformance:
Community and Health Focus
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- Stronger guidelines against fast-food outlets near schools and areas impacting public health.
- Greater integration of health, well-being, and community facility planning.