Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system 

Overview

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is seeking views on how we might revise national planning policy to support our wider objectives. 

Alongside this consultation document, a draft National Planning Policy Framework (“the Framework”) has been published here. This consultation should be read in conjunction with the draft, which sets out the detailed proposed policy wording indicative of what may be implemented, subject to the outcome of this consultation. 

Beyond the draft Framework this consultation also asks questions related to energy thresholds and data centres, standardised inputs in viability assessments and reforming site thresholds. These questions can be found in Annexes A, B and C to the consultation document.

In responding to this consultation, we would appreciate comments on any potential impacts on protected groups under the Public Sector Equality Duty. A consultation question on this is found in at the end of this document.  

This consultation will begin on 16 December 2025 and close at 11:45pm on 10 March 2026.  

For any enquiries about the consultation please contact: PlanningPolicyConsultation@communities.gov.uk 

Your responses may be processed by Artificial Intelligence to analyse the responses to the consultation more efficiently. These tools assist in identifying and mapping themes in consultation responses, but do not make decisions and all outputs are reviewed by staff for accuracy and reliability.

Where data is processed by Artificial intelligence, MHCLG will take reasonable and proportionate steps to remove personal data from the consultation responses before using an Artificial Intelligence, tool but this cannot be guaranteed.

Respondents should refrain from sharing personal or special category data outside of the administrative questions at the front of the Citizen Space questionnaire.