At a time when Government is desperate for good news, economic growth remains stubbornly slow, and unemployment is rising. Part of the mission of government is to unlock growth, reduce bureaucracy and streamline regulation. The planning system is one part of this, and there is a new tranche of documents out for consultation.
If you are working in the real estate, finance or development field, or have an interest in longer-term strategic planning of the region do take a look and provide responses back to Government.
The Government are seeking views on a revised, draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system. The draft was published on 16th December 2025 and is open for consultation until 10th March 2026.
They are also seeking views on:
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- data centres and onsite energy generation
- standardised inputs in viability assessments
- reforming site thresholds
The Government has also recently announced a consultation on Design and Place Making Planning Practice Guidance (DPPG). This is out for seven weeks from 21 January 2026 to 10 March 2026.
Draft for consultation – Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance
Spatial Development Strategies (SDS): SDSs are high-level spatial plans looking ahead at least 20 years. The Government is seeking initial views on the proposed geography over which spatial development strategies (SDS) should be prepared. This will allow prospective strategic planning authorities to understand the geographical area for which they may be planning. It will also allow them to carry out preparatory work on their SDS, ahead of legislation coming into force, following the passing of the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
SDSs will ensure that sub-regional areas can effectively plan to:
- to meet their housing needs
- Coordinate the provision of strategic infrastructure
- grow their economies
- improve the environment and climate resilience
They will set a spatial framework for their area, identifying the appropriate scale of growth and development, and they may also identify the need for regeneration, protection or improvement of the built or natural environment.
The consultation was published on 12 February 2026 and is out for consultation until 26 March 2026.
They will set the framework for local plans, which will have to be in general conformity with the relevant SDS. The draft National Planning Policy Framework(NPPF), which is currently out to consultation, contains proposed policy on the content of an SDS.
Strategic planning authorities will not be able to commence work formally on an SDS until the legislation is commenced, which is currently expected to be summer 2026. However, authorities can undertake preparatory work in anticipation of the duty.
