The National Planning Practice Guidance adds further context to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and it is intended that the two documents should be read together.
The NPPG replaces over 7,000 pages of planning guidance that was previously published in separate documents. It is now available entirely in one place, online and not in hard copy. You can sign up for email alerts on any changes the Government makes to it in the future.
Plan makers (mainly Local 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 This means that if a local policy is deemed out of date, local authorities may be directed by the national guidance’s requirements.