National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

The August 2026 National Planning Policy Framework sets out the government’s policies for plan making and for making decisions on development proposals in England. 

This revised framework replaces the previous National Planning Policy Framework published in March 2012, revised in July 2018, updated in February 2012, revised in July 2021, updated in September 2023 and revised in December 2023 and December 2024.

The online searchable version of the National Planning Policy Framework August 2026 can be viewed here.

The planning practice guidance to support the framework can be viewed here.