Initial thoughts on the latest proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework

We are currently working on our response to the latest proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which was most recently updated in December 2024. As we said in our blog accompanying the launch of this consultation in December 2025, one of the key proposed changes relevant to nature conservation is to limit the environmental ambitions of local authorities through the introduction of a cap on BNG uplifts. Through further analysis of the proposed changes, we have also seen a notable shift in the overarching objective of the framework compared to previous iterations, from sustainable development to economic growth.

It is this shift that is perhaps the most worrying for nature, casting a shadow over the rest of the policies within, even those that are or could be, in isolation, favourable to nature. Whilst it is perhaps unsurprising given Labour’s prioritisation of economic growth in their 2024 General Election campaign and subsequent attempt to reassert this mission in their policy agenda over the previous 12 months, it is nevertheless a cause for concern in this context.

The planning system must, of course, strike a balance between expansion and protection, but we believe this shift in focus risks tipping the scales disproportionately and unnecessarily in favour of the former, painting environmental concerns as a nuisance impeding short-term economic gain, rather than an essential and positive consideration.

A further adverse consequence of this reprioritisation is to steer planning policy away from developing holistic, long-term solutions to the many and various environmental challenges facing the country. Instead, by creating a false dichotomy between protecting the environment and providing a public benefit, the Framework misses a vital opportunity to harness the many advantages that increasing biodiversity can bring to communities and the environment of which they are part, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, flood risk management, and social and wellbeing benefits.

When coupled with loopholes that essentially allow the Secretary of State to bypass certain environmental safeguards within the Framework in the pursuit of an ill-defined “public benefit”, we fear that this iteration of the NPPF would see a regression in terms of protecting and enhancing our natural environment and mitigating and adapting to climate change. Likewise, we believe this iteration would be a significant backwards step for embedding nature conservation and enhancement across diverse policy areas, an essential move if we are to achieve the systemic change necessary to meet the Government’s various environmental targets and commitments, and to meaningfully tackle the Nature and Climate Emergency.

We are currently finalising our final response to the consultation, to be submitted by the deadline of 10th March 2026. We offer our thanks to all the members who have given their time and experience to inform our response.