UKGBC responds to the updated NPPF

Read our Policy Team's response to the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The Government have published the updated National Planning Policy Framework, read our policy team’s response.

UKGBC welcomes the publication of the updated National Planning Policy Framework and several important improvements made following consultation. Stronger recognition of climate adaptation – including overheating, drought, flooding and wildfire risk – is timely and essential. We also welcome clearer support for sustainable, infrastructure鈥憀ed development, including priority for building near rail stations and existing transport hubs.

It is encouraging that Government has stepped back from proposed restrictions on local energy鈥慹fficiency standards. The clarification that local authorities can go beyond national minimums within a consistent methodology, where justified and viable, is a positive shift that supports place鈥慴ased climate leadership.

However, key gaps remain. The weakening of the sequential test for surface鈥憌ater flooding risks undermining long鈥憈erm resilience, and constraints on locally ambitious Biodiversity Net Gain policies could limit nature recovery at a time when exemptions are growing. The presumption in favour of development also continues to raise concerns about how local authorities, communities and developers can work together to achieve the best outcomes.

In order to realise the new Prime Minister鈥檚 ambition on devolution, community empowerment and strategic placemaking, it is vital the planning system enables and empowers local leadership and ambition.

听UKGBC鈥檚 Regenerative Places Framework for Housing, launching September 16^th, will examine the planning system鈥檚 role in achieving thriving places through local leadership that benefit people and nature.鈥�

Read UKGBC’s Response to the 2025 NPPF Consultation Here