Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

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Key definition

Sustainable development definition

What does Sustainable development mean? In legal practice, sustainable development describes decision‑making that balances economic growth with social wellbeing and environmental protection, commonly applied in planning, infrastructure consenting, environmental assessment and public policy. The concept originates from the Brundtland (1987) formulation. It is largely a descriptive expression rather than a single statutory definition, but it is given legal effect through legislation and policy across the UK and Ireland. In England, it underpins the National Planning Policy Framework’s presumption in favour of sustainable development (with economic, social and environmental objectives) and informs plan‑making and nationally significant infrastructure policy (for example, Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, s39;...

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development under the 2024 NPPF: Operation, Exceptions and Case Law (England)

Published by a LexisNexis Planning expert

Practice notes

Policy context

The first National Planning Policy Framework (2012 NPPF) was issued on 27 March 2012 and came into force at once. It streamlined more than 1,000 pages of planning policy statements, guidance and circulars into a single text. Central to the 2012 NPPF was a presumption in favour of Sustainable development. A refreshed NPPF followed in July 2018, with modest amendments in February 2019. Further updates arrived on 20 July 2021, September 2023 and December 2023 (the 2023 NPPF). The 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2023 iterations kept the presumption in favour of sustainable development, albeit with a shift in emphasis and practical application, as explored in this Practice Note. In July 2024, the government consulted on reforms to the NPPF, including proposals affecting the presumption in favour of sustainable development, considered further below (see ‘Proposed changes to presumption insofar as it affects decision-taking’). A new version of the NPPF was then published in December 2024, which is the current edition. See News Analysis: Revised National Planning Policy Framework published...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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