National Planning Policy Framework, December 2024 Update

In December 2024, the Government released an update to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how it is expected they will be put in place, so guiding land use and development across England. The update under the new Labour Government introduces amendments and clarifications that impact various aspects of planning practice.

With a renewed focus on climate change and sustainability, infrastructure and affordable housing, the update sets out the Government’s priorities. As well as these, there are important updates to the policies on housing and development, such as a new methodology for calculating housing need, the introduction of the Grey Belt and focus on brownfield site development, all of which represent welcome support for provision of new homes.

Importantly for us, under Achieving appropriate densities, the December 2024 NPPF maintains;

“local planning authorities should refuse applications which they consider fail to make efficient use of land, taking into account the policies in this Framework. In this context, when considering applications for housing, authorities should take a flexible approach in applying policies or guidance relating to daylight and sunlight, where they would otherwise inhibit making efficient use of a site (as long as the resulting scheme would provide acceptable living standards).”

Whilst it is a relief that the new NPPF reaffirms these previous recommendations about Daylight and Sunlight being treated flexibly, the feeling is that it could have gone further to provide clarity for local planning authorities as to how the policy should be interpreted with reference to the BRE Guidelines.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at enquiries@century-associates.co.uk, or on 07554 939 187, for advice.