Insights

Grey Belt has emerged as one of the most influential and debated planning policy concepts since its introduction in the December 2024 update to the NPPF. Early analysis of appeal outcomes indicates a marked shift in decision-making, with around 80% of major residential grey belt appeals having been allowed since the policy came into force. The statistics demonstrate that grey belt provides a practical route to unlocking development, and is having its desired effect, from a decision-making perspective at least.

We can all agree that the local election results were a disaster for Keir Starmer and his Labour Party. A key message was sent to Number 10, the ramifications of which are likely to continue to spiral over the coming weeks. But what are the ramifications for the planning and development world, and more generically local democracy?

The Draft NPPF (Dec 2025) represents one of the most significant refreshes of national heritage policy in over a decade.

Town centres across England are continuing to evolve at pace. Long-term structural changes in retail, the growth of leisure and the night-time economy, and the increasing role of residential development mean that a rigid, one-size-fits-all policy approach is no longer fit for purpose. The draft revisions to Chapter 8 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) largely recognise this reality – but there remain key areas where national policy must go further if it is to genuinely support town centre vitality.

Energy efficiency is now front and centreto historic building conservation, as councils across the country revise their local plans to align with Climate Emergency declarations and the Government’s 2050 Net Zero agenda.

VAR's decision-making process lacks uniformity, mirroring how similar planning applications can face divergent fates based on a parish / town council's stance.

You would be forgiven for thinking you had déjà vu, but here we are again with a new party in Government but the same old issue of a seemingly revolving door at MHCLG.

Good engagement is not just about managing objections or appeasing angry residents if done correctly, it results in better places and stronger involvement.

This is as much about perception as it is about policy. Until planning frameworks evolve, part of our role as planners is to help shift the narrative.