Prompt, professional and client-focused. Would highly recommend Salmon Planning, thank you!
5 January 2026 Dan Foster - Director & Chartered Town Planner
Revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Update
Changes proposed set to reshape development in England
Running until 10 March 2026, the Government has launched a consultation on the proposed wide-scale reforms of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The package of planning reforms is aimed at unlocking more homes in the right places while supporting economic growth and sustainability.
Alongside a clearer and more comprehensive national planning framework, we outline the 12 key proposed policy changes that could significantly affect how development is planned and delivered in England.
We will keep you updated on any further announcements and the implications any for development plans you may have.
The 12 key policy changes are as follows:
1. Permanent presumption in favour of development
A new, rules-based approach would establish a permanent presumption in favour of suitably located development, particularly on urban land. This builds on recent reforms and would make development on appropriate brownfield and urban sites acceptable in principle.
2. Building homes around railway stations
The reforms introduce a “default yes” for development around rail stations, including some stations outside settlements and on Green Belt land. Minimum densities of 40 dwellings per hectare, rising to 50 near well-connected stations, with the aim to maximise sustainable, well-located housing.
3. Promoting urban and suburban densification
Local authorities would be expected to make better use of land within settlements through infill development, redevelopment of low-density plots, upward extensions and development within residential curtilages, particularly in areas with good access to services.
4. Delivering a wider mix of homes
Changes to strengthen support for affordable and rural housing, accessible homes for older and disabled people, and to introduce more flexibility for market housing where affordable housing needs are already met.
5. Supporting small and medium-sized sites
To diversify housing delivery, the proposals aim to make it easier to bring forward small and medium sites. A new category of 'medium development' could benefit from simplified planning requirements and alternative ways to deliver affordable housing contributions.
6. Streamlining local standards
Speeding up plan-making and reducing complexity, councils would be encouraged to limit local standards only to issues where genuine local variation is justified, and to avoid duplicating Building Regulations.
7. Boosting local and regional economies
Economic growth would be given substantial weight in planning decisions, particularly for priority sectors such as town centres, logistics, agriculture, rural development and AI growth zones. The Government is also consulting on whether to remove the town centre sequential test.
8. Supporting critical minerals
The reforms recognise the importance of critical and growth minerals to the economy, while further restricting coal extraction in line with clean energy ambitions.
9. A vision-led approach to transport
Building on earlier reforms, the proposals reinforce a move away from car-dominated “predict and provide” transport planning, promoting healthier, more attractive and sustainable places.
10. A stronger response to climate change
The framework would place greater emphasis on climate change mitigation and adaptation, ensuring planning decisions proactively support low-carbon and resilient development.
11. Enhancing the natural environment
Proposals include stronger links to Local Nature Recovery Strategies, protection of landscape character, enhanced biodiversity measures (such as swift bricks) and clearer guidance on locally important nature sites.
12. A more positive approach to heritage
Finally, the Government aims to simplify and clarify heritage policy, encouraging a more positive and enabling approach to development involving heritage assets.
At Salmon Planning + Architecture we look forward to the final outcome of the Government’s consultation and the positive role the proposed changes will play in unlocking new development opportunities, supporting sustainable growth and delivering much-needed homes.
If you have any questions regarding the draft NPPF proposals, or are considering the development potential of a site, Salmon Planning Company + Architecture are well placed to help with expert planning advice and in-house specialist architectural services.
Get In Touch
If you are considering the development potential of a site, Salmon Planning + Architecture are well placed to help with expert planning advice and in-house specialist architectural services.
With offices across the South West in Somerset and Devon, please do not hesitate to make contact with us.
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Simon Banks
We had the pleasure of working with Matt and Dan from Salmon planning recently. They dealt with our planning application for a wrap around kitchen extension from idea to submission. They listened and came up with very helpful input. They are a useful mix of knowledgeable, practical and creative. They made the process straightforward, seamless and enjoyable. They dealt with all the laborious paperwork and liaised with other relevant bodies, leaving us to just contribute to the ideas and design. They are both extremely amiable and a pleasure to deal with. The process was affordable and I feel I got great value for money. Use them, you will be pleased you did.
Shona Perkins
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Paul Wiseman
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I’ve been using Dan Foster and his team for over 2 years now on my property developments, the level of service, support, and professionalism of each member forever seems to impress! They have saved me many times, highlighting (potentially expensive) issues I had missed and always listen to my ideas and questions with great patience . I cannot recommend this company more highly , if you need reliable advice/designs from a team for your projects definitely give Salmon Planning a call. They will tell you everything in black and white and explain all you need to know regarding the complete planning process from start to finish.
Owen Robinson
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Dan and the rest of his team at Salmon Planning were consumate professionals, dealing with every aspect of a sensitive, high profile, listed, town centre development, in a conservation area. Always available for every question I had … and I had a lot.I would, without a doubt ,call upon them for any future planning projects and would have no reservation whatsoever in recommending. Unquestionably 5 star - thank you.