Will the Revised NPPF be Published Before Parliament’s Summer Recess?

The planning sector waits for clarity in wake of Keir Starmer’s resignation…

The planning industry had been expecting the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) this summer, but recent political developments have introduced fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

The draft revised NPPF, published in December 2025, represented one of the most significant overhauls of national planning policy in recent years. Since then, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has consistently maintained that the final version would be published during summer 2026. Chief Planner Joanna Averley reiterated this timeline in her March newsletter, while Housing Minister Baroness Taylor confirmed at the Planning Summit in June that the government’s consultation response would be issued “in the summer”.

However, the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the anticipated appointment of Andy Burnham as Labour leader and Prime Minister have inevitably raised questions about whether that timetable remains achievable.

Burnham has already signalled that housing and regeneration will sit at the heart of his government’s agenda. In a recent policy announcement, he pledged to deliver what he described as the biggest council house building programme since the post-war era as part of a 10-year mission to raise living standards across the country. His proposals also include the creation of a new government hub in Manchester, branded ‘No. 10 in the North’, alongside measures to boost youth employment and encourage more young people into construction and skilled trades. Against that backdrop, it is understandable that any incoming administration may wish to ensure the revised NPPF fully aligns with its wider ambitions for housing delivery, economic growth and planning reform before giving it the final green light.

Political change creates uncertainty

With Parliament due to rise for the summer recess in mid-July and the Labour leadership race expected to conclude around the same time, there is a very narrow window in which the revised NPPF could be approved and published. Industry sources have suggested that, while officials are continuing to finalise the document, there is growing recognition that a new Prime Minister and potentially a new Chancellor may wish to review such an important policy before it is released.

From a planning perspective, this would not be an unreasonable approach. The revised NPPF represents a significant policy intervention that will influence decision-making across England, affecting housing delivery, local plan preparation, green belt policy, infrastructure planning and development management for years to come. Any incoming administration is likely to want confidence that the document reflects its priorities before allowing publication.

That said, reports from within government remain mixed. Some sources continue to suggest that officials are working towards publication before Parliament rises, while others believe a short delay into August is becoming increasingly likely. There is precedent for releasing major planning policy outside the parliamentary sitting calendar, with the 2020 Planning White Paper published during the summer recess.

What does this mean for the planning sector?

For local planning authorities, developers and landowners, the uncertainty will be frustrating. Many are awaiting the final policy wording before progressing Local Plans, reviewing site promotion strategies or submitting planning applications. Until the revised framework is published, there remains an element of caution around decisions that could be affected by the forthcoming changes.

At this stage, the revised NPPF appears to be substantially complete, with the question now being one of political timing rather than policy content. Whether publication comes before the summer recess or shortly afterwards, the planning sector can expect the new framework to shape planning practice and development decisions for the foreseeable future.

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