Planning Policy
Understanding the NPPF, local plans, and housing policy
Browse our free UK planning guides on planning policy below. Written in plain English for homeowners, self-builders, developers and planning professionals.
Prior Approval: The Fastest Route to Planning Permission
Prior approval lets you convert offices, shops, and agricultural buildings without full planning permission. Here's how it works.
2 min readNeighbourhood Plans: How Communities Shape Development
What are neighbourhood plans, how do they work, and can your community create one?
2 min readCIL and Section 106: Developer Contributions Explained
What are CIL and S106 agreements, how much do they cost, and how do they affect your project?
2 min readWhat Is a Conservation Area?
A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, where extra planning controls apply to preserve its character.
3 min readLocal Plans Explained: What They Mean for Your Project
What a local plan is, how to find yours, and how local planning policies affect whether your project gets approved.
5 min readGreen Belt Planning Rules: What You Need to Know
The planning rules for Green Belt land in England, including what development is and is not allowed, and what 'very special circumstances' means.
5 min readArticle 4 Directions: How They Affect Your Property
What Article 4 Directions are, how they remove permitted development rights, and how to check if one applies to your property.
4 min readThe National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Explained
What the NPPF is, its key policies, and how it shapes planning decisions across England.
5 min readBiodiversity Net Gain: What It Means for Your Planning Application
How the mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain requirement affects planning applications - what it means, who it applies to, and how to comply.
4 min read