The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has recently published a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), alongside a new standard method for calculating Local Housing Need (LHN). These changes mark a significant shift in the planning system, particularly for areas where Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) cannot now demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
This update has immediate implications for social housing providers, developers, landowners, and agents, especially in areas where housing delivery has fallen short. The key message is that if an LPA cannot meet the five-year housing supply requirement, the “tilted balance” will apply. This introduces a presumption in favour of sustainable development, classing some Local Plan policies as being ‘out-of-date’, thereby creating increased opportunities for development to move forward.
New Housing Delivery Targets
The new standard method for calculating LHN has significantly increased housing delivery targets across many areas. For example, in Cornwall, the annual LHN has been raised to 4,421 homes – a substantial 63% increase from the previous methodology and a 66% rise based on recent delivery rates.
Exeter also faces notable changes, with its LHN increasing to 800 homes per year. This represents a 25% uplift compared to the previous approach and a 34% increase based on the city’s recent housing delivery figures.
These figures illustrate the challenges many LPAs will face in meeting the new targets, sites which were previously not considered to be appropriate for development may now benefit from the presumption in favour. However, transitional provisions will apply to areas that are currently working on a new Local Plan, which could delay the full impact of these changes in the short term.
Opportunities and Considerations for Developers and Landowners
These changes to the NPPF and LHN calculations will directly affect planning applications that are about to be submitted, those currently awaiting a decision, and even some that have already been refused. For applications under appeal, the Planning Inspectorate is likely to invite comments on how the revised NPPF applies, creating an opportunity to reconsider outcomes under the new policies.
For developers and landowners, this could mean reassessing recent refusals and offering new opportunities for sites that may previously have been rejected by a developer without making a planning application.
How Stephens Scown Can Assist
At Stephens Scown, our Planning team is actively advising clients on planning applications and appeals impacted by these policy changes. Understanding the revised National Planning Policy Framework and Local Housing Need methodology can make a critical difference to the success of your planning application or appeal.
Our team can provide bespoke guidance on how these changes may affect your development proposals, enabling you to navigate the shifting landscape with confidence and make the most of emerging opportunities.
If you would like to discuss how the updated NPPF and LHN methodology may impact your planning application or appeal, please contact our Planning Team today on 0345 450 5558 or enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk