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 Policy, Boundary Reviews and 'Grey Belt' Reforms in England and Wales (NPPF 2024/PPG 2025; PPW), Case Law, Golden Rules, Green Wedges and NDMPs

Published by a LexisNexis Planning expert

Practice notes

The core purpose of green belt policy is to curb urban sprawl by safeguarding land as permanently open. Openness and permanence are the defining features of green belts.

Policy

National policy for England’s green belts is contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). First issued on 27 March 2012, it has been superseded several times, most recently in December 2024. Under the NPPF, local planning authorities (LPAs) must establish green belt boundaries and decide applications in line with its green belt policies. Inappropriate development is generally resisted unless very special circumstances can be shown such that the scheme’s benefits clearly outweigh harm to the green belt. The NPPF identifies forms of development regarded as appropriate within the green belt. This is supported by Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) on the green belt, updated in February 2025 to reflect the substantial December 2024 NPPF changes. For further detail, see Practice Note: Development in the green 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 28/05/2026

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