National Policy Planning Framework proposes reforms to the planning system

The government has published a consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework. It proposes wide-ranging reforms to the planning clustered around 12 policy objectives including ‘Securing a diverse mix of homes’ (No4). This makes explicit reference to using the planning system to create stronger support for rural social and affordable housing, and setting clearer expectations for accessible housing to meet the needs of older and disabled people.

The consultation document also supports the provision of specialist forms of accommodation (for older people and disabled people). As recommended by the Older People’s Housing Taskforces, these additions are aimed at ensuring the specific requirements of these particular forms of accommodation are better recognised and supported in the planning system. For example, it outlines a suggested new policy aimed at setting clearer national requirements for the delivery of specialist forms of accommodation, ensuring that these come forward in appropriate locations and with the right access to services. As part of this, the draft Framework also makes reference to community-based specialists and to large-scale shared living accommodation, both of which are accompanied by new definitions in the glossary, as well as asking whether further guidance is required for setting housing requirement figures on assessing the needs of different groups, including older people, disabled people, and those who require social and affordable housing.

On accessible design requirements, it sets out a proposed requirement for local planning authorities to set out the proportion of new housing that should be delivered to M4(2) and M4(3) standards of the building regulations, to ensure plans adequately provide for the accessibility needs of an ageing population and the needs of disabled people. Authorities will need to set requirements for M4(2) that meet or exceed their locally assessed need for this housing, and ensure that need is met.

Furthermore, the government is proposing a national minimum that ensures at least 40% (a baseline) of new housing over the course of the plan period is delivered to M4(2) standards, formalising best practice and driving up provision in areas without clear requirements. In response to a question from Anna Dixon MP, the Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook MP, stated:

“I confirm to my hon. Friend that the 40% figure is a minimum, not a target. Our proposals recognise that accessibility needs are locally specific, and our changes ensure that necessary levels of accessible housing are provided, while providing authorities with the flexibility to maximise house building overall. Where needs are higher than the mandatory minimum, we are proposing that planning policies should reflect this.”

Taken together, the government believes that this approach ensures necessary levels of accessible housing are provided without mandating M4(2) as a minimum standard for all housing, while providing authorities with the necessary flexibility to maximise housebuilding overall. It is therefore worth Housing LIN members noting that many localities such as Greater Manchester, Liverpool and the GLA already have a 100% requirement for M4(2) in their plans. 

Lastly, also of interest to Housing LIN members, there is a specific chapter on ‘Promoting Healthy Communities’ (No16) seeking views on enhancing existing requirements on healthy and safe communities; for example, referencing spatial planning for health and wellbeing, community facilities and public services infrastructure, etc, to achieve “liveable and healthy places". 

The deadline for submissions is 10 March 2026.