NALC broadly supports the updated National Planning Policy Framework

We have broadly welcomed the government's proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), saying the changes could help deliver long-overdue improvements to the planning system while supporting the delivery of new homes.

In our response to the government's consultation on proposed revisions to the NPPF, we said the updated framework would go a long way towards addressing longstanding issues within the planning system and help the government achieve some of its wider policy objectives.

We acknowledged the urgent need to increase housebuilding across England. Still, we emphasised that the planning system must also focus on creating sustainable communities for the long term. We noted that the homes being built today will shape communities not just for the next five years, but for the next 50 years and beyond.

Our response also reaffirmed our strong support for neighbourhood planning, highlighting its role in significantly expanding community involvement in planning decisions. We said neighbourhood plans have empowered local communities to shape development in their areas and should remain a key part of the planning framework in the future.

While broadly supportive of the proposed reforms, we warned that easing restrictions on development in areas such as the edge of the green belt and other important green spaces must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure. We stressed that new housing developments must be supported by essential services such as roads, schools and hospitals if they are to become viable and sustainable communities.

We also cautioned that without proper infrastructure planning, new housing developments risk becoming isolated or underused, undermining the long-term objectives of the planning system.

We will continue to work with the government to ensure the voice of parish and town councils and the communities they represent remains central to shaping future planning policy.