13.07.2026
Reports suggest that the Government is expected to publish the long-awaited revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) before Parliament's summer recess, potentially as early as next week.
While an official publication date has yet to be confirmed, the updated NPPF is expected to provide greater clarity on several key planning reforms, including the implementation of Strategic Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs) and the Government's wider ambitions to accelerate housing delivery, support economic growth and modernise the planning system.
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The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) remains the cornerstone of planning policy in England, guiding decisions on planning applications and the preparation of Local Plans.
Any revisions to the framework can have significant implications for:
As a result, the publication of the revised NPPF is likely to be one of the most significant planning policy updates of 2026.
Recent commentary from the Planning Officers Society (POS) suggests the revised NPPF may provide further detail on the Government's proposed Strategic Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) system.
Strategic planning is expected to play an increasingly important role in coordinating housing, employment, transport and infrastructure across wider geographic areas, helping authorities plan beyond individual local authority boundaries.
The Government has previously indicated its ambition to have the first generation of Spatial Development Strategies in place before the end of this Parliament, with further guidance expected to support their preparation.
Alongside the anticipated NPPF publication, there continues to be debate within the planning profession regarding the pace of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Some planning professionals have suggested that introducing strategic planning arrangements should take priority over structural changes to local government, recognising the important role that strategic planning can play in delivering housing growth, infrastructure investment and sustainable development across England.
Whether the Government chooses to prioritise one programme over the other remains to be seen.
Although the revised NPPF has not yet been published, applicants should continue to prepare planning strategies based on the current policy framework while remaining alert to forthcoming changes.
Once the revised document is released, developers and promoters should carefully review any changes that could affect:
The publication of the revised NPPF is expected to provide greater certainty for the planning industry and establish the policy framework that will shape planning decisions over the coming years.
As with previous revisions, the practical implications will depend on the detailed wording of the final document and how quickly Local Planning Authorities begin applying the new policies.
DHA Planning will review the revised National Planning Policy Framework as soon as it is published and provide a detailed summary of the key changes, together with practical guidance on what they mean for developers, landowners, businesses and local authorities.
If you would like to discuss how the forthcoming changes may affect your development proposals, please contact a member of DHA Planning's experienced planning team.
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