Definition
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is a key document that sets out the government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It provides a framework within which local councils can produce their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities.
- Sustainable Development: The NPPF promotes sustainable development, balancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
- Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development: There is a general presumption in favour of sustainable development, meaning that development proposals that accord with up-to-date local plans should be approved.
- Plan-Making: Local plans should be prepared positively, seeking opportunities to meet the development needs of their area, and be sufficiently flexible to adapt to rapid change.
- Development Management: Encourages the development of high-quality and well-designed places that respect the character of the local environment and contribute to community wellbeing.
- Protecting the Environment: Emphasizes the protection of the natural, built, and historic environment, including policies on biodiversity, landscape, and heritage conservation.
- Community Involvement: Supports the involvement of local communities in plan-making and decision-making processes.
- Core Planning Principles: The framework sets out core principles to guide planning decisions and policies.
- Housing and Economic Development: Policies to ensure that sufficient land is available to meet housing and economic development needs.
- Sustainable Transport: Policies to promote sustainable transport and reduce the need to travel by car.
- Good Design: Encourages high-quality design in all developments.
- Climate Change and Flooding: Policies to support the transition to a low-carbon future and manage risks associated with flooding and coastal change.
- Natural and Historic Environment: Protection and enhancement of the natural and historic environment.
Website: National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
