The government publishes a consultation (until 20/10/2026) relating to standard planning agreements for medium-sized sites …

The government has published the following consultation, which runs for 8 weeks from 25/08/2026 until 20/10/2026:

Consultation document:

  • August 2026: Standard planning agreements for medium-sized sites (link) (pdf print version of HTML webpage).

Notes:

  • The webpage (link) for the above consultation document includes the following information:
    - "This consultation seeks views on 4 standard templates pursuant to section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for medium-sized sites.".
    - "The National Planning Policy Framework defines medium development as sites comprising of housing development where 10 to 49 homes (inclusive) will be provided, and the site has an area of up to 2.5 hectares.".
    - "The 4 standard templates are:
    1. Bilateral agreement comprising standard clauses template and Schedules for Financial Contributions and the Council’s Covenants.
    2. Unilateral Undertaking comprising standard clauses template and a Schedule for Financial Contributions.
    3. Affordable Housing Schedule for Full Planning Permissions, including a discretionary cascade mechanism.
    4. Affordable Housing Schedule for Outline Planning Permissions".
    - "These draft template documents have been published alongside this consultation and should be read together with it.".
  • Note: As indicated above, the webpage (link) for the above consultation document includes the following documents:
    - "Draft bilateral S106 agreement for medium-sized sites".
    - "Draft unilateral undertaking for medium-sized sites".
    - "Draft affordable housing schedule for full planning permission".
    - "Draft affordable housing schedule for outline planning permission".

Other sources of information:

  • May 2025: Planning Reform Working Paper - Reforming Site Thresholds (pdf) (link)
    - Note: For more information about the above document, please view this post.
  • 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to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system (December 2025) (amended pdf) (superseded pdf) (link).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.
  • 25 August 2026: Letter from MHCLG to Chief Planning Officers about consultations on planning powers for mayors, and planning agreements for medium sized sites (pdf) (link).