National planning practice guidance (PPG) adds further context to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and it is intended that the two should be read together.
Plan makers (mainly local planning authorities who are responsible for a Local Plan but also community groups who may be working on a neighbourhood plan) must have regard to national policies and advice contained in the guidance when developing their plans. The guidance is also a ‘material consideration’ when taking decisions on planning applications. This means that if a local policy is deemed out of date, local authorities may be directed by the national guidance’s requirements.