Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

NPPF definition

What does NPPF mean? In practice, the NPPF is the government’s consolidated statement of national planning policy for England, guiding preparation of local plans and the determination of planning applications and appeals. Issued by the Secretary of State (DLUHC), it is not statutory and is not defined in legislation, but is a material consideration. Under section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, decisions follow the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise; the NPPF often provides those considerations. Key features include the presumption in favour of sustainable development (para 11), policies on housing need and five-year land supply, the Housing Delivery...

Green Belt and new ‘Grey Belt’: NPPF 2024 rules, exceptions, very special circumstances, Golden Rules and key authorities (England), with PPW overview (Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Planning expert

Practice notes

The National Planning Policy Framework (nppf)

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides robust safeguards for the green belt. It explains that the government places significant weight on green belts, and makes clear that the core objective of green belt policy is to stop urban sprawl by ensuring land designated as green belt remains permanently open. Consequently, there is a clear presumption against development that is inappropriate within the green belt, and considerable weight must be afforded to any harm to the green belt when deciding planning applications. The first iteration of the NPPF came into force in 2012 (the 2012 NPPF). It was then updated in 2018, 2019, 2021, September 2023, December 2023 and December 2024. The latest NPPF, issued in December 2024, does not change the essential aim of green belt policy or its five stated purposes. Yet it has brought in notable amendments to allow further development in the green belt in defined circumstances, with a particular focus on areas of the green belt assessed as under-performing, and these areas are now to be referred to as ‘grey belt’...

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Stephen Morgan

Landmark Chambers

Stephen has always specialised in planning and related fields of law, having graduated in both law and planning. One of his main areas of practice is village greens and commons and he regularly sits as a village green Inspector as well as advising and appearing in relation to these matters. His experience, both as adviser and advocate, also covers the range of planning and related topics, including major infrastructure projects and in particular waste and energy facilities; his work covers the regulatory aspects (under the various regimes and Directives) as well as the planning issues. His practice covers the whole range of developments including large new settlements, along with other residential, commercial and mixed use developments of all scales.Stephen has regularly given presentations as part of the Landmark Chambers seminar series but also at other major events. These have covered planning policy,...

Web page updated on 26/05/2026

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