Policy paper

Creating a clear, rules-based planning system

Policy statement setting out steps the government is taking to reform the planning system.

• From: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Published: 17 August 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Creating a clear, rules-based planning system

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Details

On 17 August 2026, the government has published:

• a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
• the government response to the National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system consultation
• the government response to the Reforms to the statutory consultee system consultation
• Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for 2024 and 2025, and an updated HDT Rule Book

Published 17 August 2026