National Planning Policy Framework
The Local Plan must be consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This sets out the Government's planning policies for England and how they should be applied. It must be considered in the preparation of the Local Plan and is a material consideration when making planning decisions. Separate policy documents deal with other topics that are material to planning, such as waste and traveller sites.
The National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) supports the NPPF and is amended frequently. It provides specific guidance on how parts of the Local Plan should be undertaken and is material to the plan-making process.
NPPF Review Consultation
The government published a consultation on a new NPPF in December 2025. The proposed revisions are the largest change to the NPPF since its introduction in 2012. The proposals introduce new plan-making and decision-making policies. The proposed NPPF states that Local Plan policies must not duplicate, substantively restate or modify the content of national decision-making policies. The council is monitoring the progress of the NPPF and will respond appropriately in plan-making for the Local Plan.