National Planning Policy Framework

The proposed reforms are intended to make the framework clearer and more rules-based, supporting the Government’s goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes. Key elements of the consultation include the following proposals: 

• Creating a new classification of “medium development” for schemes delivering between 10 and 49 homes. These developments would face lighter compliance requirements, including the option to meet social and affordable housing obligations through financial contributions rather than on-site provision. 
• Removing the requirement for developments of fewer than 50 homes, or purpose-built student accommodation with fewer than 120 bedspaces, to pay the Building Safety Levy. 
• Giving residential development close to railway stations a default approval where set criteria are satisfied. This would include minimum density expectations of 40 homes per hectare near all stations and 50 homes per hectare near stations considered to be well connected. 
• Updating the definition of “Designated Rural Area” to enable the delivery of additional affordable housing, alongside clearer guidance for local authorities on identifying suitable sites for accessible homes. 

The consultation closes on Tuesday 10 March, and responses can be submitted online. If you have thoughts you want to contribute to NFRC’s response, please contact [email protected]. 

Alongside the proposed NPPF changes, the Government has also confirmed plans to exempt small development sites of up to 0.2 hectares from Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. A full response to last year’s BNG consultation is expected to be published in due course.