Planning reform 2026
In a statement to Parliament, Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister of State MHCLG described the intentions of the Government to introduce twelve new policies in 2026 “to boost housing supply and unlock economic growth in the years ahead”.
He summarised actions taken in 2025, including publication of a draft replacement National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) on which a consultation runs until 10th March 2026, as reported in an update of 18th December 2025.
London Forum’s members should consider the proposed new NPPF and send [more…]
Duty to Cooperate ends
The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, wrote to the Planning Inspectorate in November 2025 to set out that the Government intends to revoke the Duty to Co-operate for the current plan-making system.
Paul Morrison, the CEO of the Planning Inspectorate, replied on 15th December 2025 welcoming the change and giving details on how Local Plans will be examined and legally compliant and sound plans brought forward to adoption.
Chief Planning Officer’s newsletter
Joanna Averley, MHCLG’s Chief Planner, has issued her latest newsletter to local authorities.
It covers the new NPPF; the Planning & Infrastructure Bill; Planning Advisory Service events; funding for LPAs; planning skills and capacity survey results; consultation on cross-pavement solutions for electric vehicle charging; climate guidance by RTPI and TCPA; Neighbourhood Planning financial support and getting Sustainable Urban Drainage right from the start.
Housebuilding around train stations
Housebuilding near well-connected train stations will receive a default “yes” through a new National Planning Policy Framework, to be consulted on later in 2025. Details are here.
In addition, there is a set of changes to the Planning & Regeneration Bill, which the Government says is a “Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building”.
As part of it, Councils must inform Government when inclined to block applications of 150 homes or more. Ministers will make the decision instead. Applications called in will not have to go to an inquiry [more…]
Simplifying decisions
As London Forum reported, the Planning & Infrastructure Bill includes delegating planning decisions. The Government has issued a 15 question Working Paper consultation for
- Simplifying decisions for schemes below 10 homes to help small and medium builders (SMEs)
- Introducing a medium-sized site threshold up to 49 homes
There is another working paper on ‘Speeding up Build-out’ and for major developments, the Government is considering options for a mixed tenure development threshold at 500 units. Views on the right threshold are sought in this ‘Simplifying Decisions’ Working Paper. There will be [more…]
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Clarifying design codes
![Statutory consultees jigsaw - inspired by image by Markus Winkler [Unsplash] and made with AI](https://i0.wp.com/www.londonforum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Statutory_consultees.jpg?fit=1536%2C1024&ssl=1)
Statutory Consultees
Statutory consultees play an important role in the planning application process by providing expert advice on significant environmental, transport, safety, and heritage issues. There are currently 13 organisations that local planning authorities [more…]
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