Published date: 10 August 2021

Town Planning Update: National Planning Policy Framework

The Government published a revised National Planning Policy Framework (“NPPF”) on 20 July 2021, which will affect the treatment of planning applications coming forward within the NHS Property Services (NHSPS) property portfolio. The NHSPS Town Planning team has prepared a note that focusses on the key amendments made and how they may impact the NHS estate.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (“MHCLG”) published a revised National Planning Policy Framework (“NPPF”) on 20 July 2021, which replaces all other updated versions of the NPPF.

The changes published as part of the newly revised NPPF will result in a shift in attitudes towards several key issues, including a focus on faster planning decisions for hospitals, an increased emphasis on design, and an increased focus on the importance of trees in developments. It is anticipated that these changes will affect the treatment of planning applications coming forward within the NHS Property Services (NHSPS) property portfolio.

This note, prepared by the NHSPS Town Planning team, focuses on the key changes to the NPPF compared to the 2019 archived version. It sets out the key amendments made, and provides commentary on specific elements of the amendments which are of relevance to the NHS property portfolio.

Read the guidance note

This is a general guide only and is not intended to be comprehensive or a substitute for taking detailed professional advice. No liability is accepted for the information it contains or any errors or omissions.

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