Open consultation

National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system

Applies to England

Summary

We are seeking views on a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system.

This consultation closes at

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

A draft NPPF has been published alongside this consultation and both documents should be read together.

We are also seeking views on:

  • data centres and onsite energy generation
  • standardised inputs in viability assessments
  • reforming site thresholds

Our attention has been drawn to an error in the consultation document regarding policy TC4 in the NPPF. On page 56 of the consultation document the final paragraph regarding TC4 incorrectly states -‘we are not proposing that a failure against the test is regarded as an automatic basis for refusing planning permission’. This paragraph has subsequently been updated as of 29 January 2026 to rectify this error. This change only affects the consultation document and not the draft NPPF text. We have contacted those who have submitted a response, alerting them to the error and giving them, the opportunity to submit a revised response.

Annex B of the consultation document asks questions about standardised inputs in viability assessment. Question 202a refers to ‘market-led development’, which has been clarified to refer to ‘market for sale housing’.

On page 106 regarding transitional arrangements, we have removed the sentence ‘Therefore, the draft Framework sets out that due weight should be given to development plan policies relative to the consistency with the Framework’ for clarity.

We have also updated the ‘Questions on Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system’ document to include the correct sub-questions for questions 27, 28, 54, 169 and 201 as included in the consultation document.

Documents

Changing the planning rules for England: What do you think? (Easy read)

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@communities.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

or

Email to:

PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk

Write to:

Planning Policy Consultation Team,
Planning Directorate – Planning Policy Division,
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government,
Floor 3, Fry Building,
2 Marsham Street,
London,
SW1P 4DF

Updates to this page

Published 16 December 2025
Last updated 292 JanuaryFebruary 2026 + show all updates
  1. Added Easy read version of the consultation - Changing the planning rules for England: What do you think? (Easy read).

  2. Our attention has been drawn to an error in the consultation document regarding policy TC4 in the NPPF. On page 56 of the consultation document the final paragraph regarding TC4 incorrectly states -‘we are not proposing that a failure against the test is regarded as an automatic basis for refusing planning permission’. This paragraph has subsequently been updated as of 29 January 2026 to rectify this error. This change only affects the consultation document and not the draft NPPF text. We have contacted those who have submitted a response, alerting them to the error and giving them, the opportunity to submit a revised response. Annex B of the consultation document asks questions about standardised inputs in viability assessment. Question 202a refers to 'market-led development', which has been clarified to refer to 'market for sale housing'. On page 106 regarding transitional arrangements, we have removed the sentence ‘Therefore, the draft Framework sets out that due weight should be given to development plan policies relative to the consistency with the Framework’ for clarity. We have also updated the ‘Questions on Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system’ document to include the correct sub-questions for questions 27, 28, 54, 169 and 201 as included in the consultation document.

  3. First published.

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