News
16/09/2026
Our team attended a seminar organised by Alder King and attended by professionals and representatives from a range of consultancies and organisations across the built environment sector. The event included networking followed by an informative panel discussion on the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published in August 2026.
The session focused on the key changes introduced by the new NPPF and their potential implications for development and the planning process, including a stronger focus on housing delivery, previously developed land, Green Belt and grey belt opportunities. It also discussed the introduction of National Decision-Making Policies, which aim to reduce contradictions between national and local planning policies.
The event highlighted increased opportunities for development around well-connected railway stations and key Travel to Work Areas, alongside the importance of considering supply and demand, site assessment, marketing and viability when assessing development opportunities.
The session also covered the revised definition of grey belt land, including the objective of preventing unrestricted urban sprawl, avoiding the merging of neighbouring towns and preserving the character of historic towns. A report from Bristol Live was also discussed, raising concerns about the potential expansion of development around Bristol and the creation of a large conurbation as a consequence of increased development on grey belt land.
Overall, the session provided useful insight into how the 2026 NPPF may influence housing delivery, land availability, development opportunities, planning decision-making and development viability. It also highlighted the importance of understanding the relationship between national planning policy, local plans and the commercial viability of development.
