The Government has pushed planning reform on two fronts. It has opened a draft NPPF consultation and enacted the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. 

1) Draft NPPF consultation: what’s happening now

The Government launched an NPPF consultation on 16 December 2025. It will close at 11:45pm on 10 March 2026. The government wants views on revisions to national planning policy. 

The consultation also covers wider system changes, alongside the NPPF.  It highlights topics like viability inputs and threshold reform. It also flags data centres and onsite energy generation. 

The Government will use AI tools to analyse consultation responses. Staff will still review outputs for accuracy and reliability. 

2) Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025: what changed in law

The Government secured Royal Assent on 18 December 2025. The Act targets faster delivery of homes and infrastructure. 

The Act reintroduces strategic planning through Spatial Development Strategies.  It also gives councils new powers on planning fees and reinvestment. Parliament’s bill summary also confirms a nature restoration levy scheme. 

What this means for applicants in 2026

Track the NPPF consultation and plan around the direction of travel. Expect more focus on delivery, viability discipline, and infrastructure alignment.  Budget for evolving environmental mitigation routes, including levy approaches.