09.03.2026
The Government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), initially expected in spring, is now planned for Summer 2026, following consultation on the draft version published in December 2025. The updated framework is set to introduce significant changes to national planning policy, affecting developers, local authorities, and the wider planning sector. In this article, we outline the latest updates and highlight other key planning reforms to watch this year.
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A draft version of the revised NPPF was published in December 2025 for consultation, with the consultation period running for 12 weeks until 10 March 2026. The draft represents a significant update to national planning policy and is notably longer than the current framework, reflecting the Government’s proposed changes to the planning system.
When the draft framework was first released, officials at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) suggested that the final version could be published in spring 2026. However, in her latest monthly newsletter, the Government’s Chief Planner Joanna Averley confirmed that publication is now planned for Summer 2026.
While a specific date has not yet been confirmed, the parliamentary calendar indicates that the summer recess begins on 16 July and runs until 1 September, suggesting that the updated framework may be released before that point.
In the same update, the Chief Planner also highlighted several other forthcoming changes across the planning system:
Compulsory purchase guidance is expected to be updated this spring following recent legislative changes introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Act;
The next round of the PropTech Innovation Fund is now open, inviting local planning authorities to participate as funded partners to pilot new approaches to improving community engagement in planning; and
Further regulations relating to the Government’s new local plan-making system are expected to be published during the course of 2026.
The revised NPPF will be an important milestone in the Government’s programme of planning reform, and further updates are expected once the consultation responses have been reviewed.
The forthcoming revision to the NPPF will represent a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing programme of planning reform. While the delay to publication means the sector will need to wait a little longer for clarity on the final policy position, the consultation has already highlighted the scale of potential change to national planning policy.
DHA Planning will continue to monitor the progress of the revised framework and provide updates as further details emerge, helping clients understand how the changes may affect future development proposals and planning strategies.
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