IMPORTANT: The government updates the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (August 2026) …

[NOTE: For other updates to the NPPF, please view the following posts:
- This (pdf) for the March 2012 NPPF.
- This post for the July 2018 updates.
- This post for the February 2019 updates.
- This post for the June 2019 updates.
- This post for the July 2021 updates.
- This post for the September 2023 updates.
- This post for the December 2023 updates.
- This post for the December 2024 updates.
- This post for the February 2025 updates.
- This post for the August 2026 updates.]

The government has published the following updated version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17/08/2026:

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF):

  • August 2026: National Planning Policy Framework (pdf) (link).

Notes:

  • The webpage (link) for the NPPF includes the following information about the above amendments made in August 2026:
    - "The new NPPF sets out the government’s planning policies for plan-making and for making decisions on development proposals in England and how these are expected to be applied.".
    - "This version of the NPPF was revised in response to the National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system consultation [(link)].".
    - "This version replaces the previous NPPF published in March 2012, revised in July 2018, February 2019, July 2021, September 2023, December 2023 and December 2024.".
    - "The planning practice guidance [(link)] to support the Framework is also published on GOV.UK.".
  • Note: For previous versions of the above webpage for the NPPF, please view this timeline (link) on The National Archives website.

Other Sources of Information:

  • December 2025: Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system (December 2025) (amended pdf) (superseded pdf) (link).
    - Note: For more information about the above document, please view this post.
  • August 2026: Government response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation (pdf) (link).
    - Note: For more information about the above document, please view this post.
  • August 2026: Creating a clear, rules-based planning system - Policy paper (link).
  • August 2026: Creating a clear, rules-based planning system - letter to local authority leaders and mayors (link).
  • August 2026: Creating a clear, rules-based planning system - letter to stakeholders (link).
  • August 2026: Government press release - "Full steam ahead to fast-track more homes near stations" (link).