Speakers discuss challenges at HBF Planning Conference

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is opening new avenues into housing delivery but the shift to joined up strategic planning will take time and may need an improved market, according to Emily Williams, Savills’ director, residential research.

Speaking at HBF’s Planning Conference in Birmingham about the impact thus far of the revised NPPF and on the housing market, Williams said that since the introduction of the government’s changes to the NPPF, there had been a notable increase in planning consents achieved by appeal in a “route” to achieving planning approvals.

But the revisions, which were announced in December 2024, were yet to reverse the controversial decisions of the Conservative administration, Williams stated.

Williams said that according to her data, there was “no sign yet of an uptick in applications” or a “shift in the type of sites” following Labour’s revisions. At the same time, data for quarter two, albeit “patchy”, suggested a slight uptick.

The subdued market was also inhibiting planning progress, Williams indicated. “Sales rates are unspectacular. Some housebuilders’ sales rates have dropped significantly.”

And with possible further changes to the NPPF and other upcoming policies including the New Towns programme and devolution, “the market …