National Planning Policy Framework
The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the government’s policies for plan-making and for making decisions on development proposals in England and how these are expected to be applied.
Applies to England
The National Planning Policy Framework 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 Framework was revised in response to the National Planning Policy Framework: proposed reforms and other changes to the planning system consultation.
This version replaces the previous National Planning Policy Framework published in March 2012, revised in July 2018, February 2019, July 2021, September 2023, December 2023 and December 2024. It also replaces the Planning policy for traveller sites published in March 2012, revised in August 2015, December 2023 and December 2024.
The planning practice guidance to support the Framework is also published on GOV.UK.
PDF version
Download a PDF version of the National Planning Policy Framework:
Introduction
Procedural policies
Sustainable development
- Chapter 4: Achieving sustainable development (S1–6)
- Chapter 5: Meeting the challenge of climate change (CC1–3)
Delivering homes and supporting growth
- Chapter 6: Delivering a sufficient supply of homes (HO1–13)
- Chapter 7: Building a strong, effective economy (E1–4)
- Chapter 8: Ensuring the vitality of town centres (TC1–4)
- Chapter 9: Supporting high quality communications (CO1–2)
- Chapter 10: Securing clean energy and water (W1–4)
- Chapter 11: Facilitating the sustainable use of minerals (M1–6)
Creating high quality, sustainable places
- Chapter 12: Making effective use of land (L1–3)
- Chapter 13: Protecting Green Belt land (GB1–8)
- Chapter 14: Achieving well-designed places (DP1–4)
- Chapter 15: Promoting sustainable transport (TR1–8)
- Chapter 16: Promoting healthy communities (HC1–8)
- Chapter 17: Pollution, public protection and security (P1–6)
Conserving and enhancing the environment
- Chapter 18: Managing flood risk and coastal change (F1–9)
- Chapter 19: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment (N1–6)
- Chapter 20: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment (HE1–10)
Annexes
- Annex A: Implementation
- Annex B: Glossary
- Annex C: Information requirements
- Annex D: Housing calculations and supply
- Annex E: Green Belt assessments
- Annex F: Managing flood risk and coastal change
Archive
Archived versions of the National Planning Policy Framework published in 2012, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024 are available in the National Archives:
Updates to this page
-
Added accessible version.
-
First published.