The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on Proposed Reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Other Changes to the Planning System (December 2025).
Angela Jones, President of ADEPT said: “ADEPT welcomes the government’s ambition to modernise the planning system and supports the clearer structure proposed in the draft NPPF. It is vital that locally led planning is maintained, ensuring national policy provides a strong and consistent framework, while still allowing local authorities the flexibility to respond to the needs, opportunities and constraints of their places.
“We support the principle behind Spatial Development Strategies, improved clarity in Local Plans and proposals to raise standards in design, climate action, nature recovery, transport, digital connectivity and flood and water management.
“We also welcome stronger national policy on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), coastal change and naturalised watercourses, which will help ensure communities are better protected from surface water, coastal erosion and other flood risks.
“There are, however, areas where greater clarity and refinement are required. National mechanisms must avoid being overly rigid, evidence expectations must remain proportionate and achievable, and approaches to infrastructure and developer contributions must be flexible and deliverable.
“Climate and nature-related policies also need strengthening, where current wording could unintentionally limit local ambition.
“To achieve the government’s ambitions, ADEPT will continue to support greater resources being directed to under resourced planning departments, particularly to meet the new Spatial Development Strategy and local plan requirements.
“ADEPT is keen to work collaboratively with government to refine the NPPF to deliver stability, clarity and confidence for local authorities, developers and communities – supporting sustainable growth, climate resilience and well designed, well connected and places.”
Read ADEPT’s full NPPF consultation response here – a summary of the response is also available here.
