National Policy & Local Plan Reform Briefing – Thursday

July 23, 2026

NPPF update, neighbourhood powers, planning fees & committee reform

Today’s national policy updates highlight significant changes across local plan preparation, neighbourhood powers and planning system performance.

• Revised NPPF due summer 2026 The updated National Planning Policy Framework is expected shortly, alongside ongoing updates to planning practice guidance .

• Councils must submit plans by December 2026 Authorities have until December 2026 to submit plans under existing rules before transitioning to the new 30‑month plan‑making system .

• New neighbourhood powers emerging Recent proposals include:

  • community power pilots
  • new right‑to‑manage reforms
  • community right‑to‑buy fund
  • neighbourhood guarantee follow‑ups These aim to strengthen local involvement in housing and place‑making .

• Councils able to set their own planning fees Under the Planning & Infrastructure Act, councils will be able to set their own planning fees, supporting capacity and resourcing improvements .

• Streamlined planning committees from 31 October New rules will streamline committee processes and delegated decisions, aiming to reduce delays and improve consistency .

• Nine councils designated for slow major decisions June designations highlight ongoing concerns around major application determination times, with potential intervention in Warwick District Council .

Policy takeaway Local plan deadlines, neighbourhood powers and committee reform will shape workloads across DM, policy and strategic planning teams through 2026.

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