An updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was released on 17th August 2026 which applies greater pressure on local planning authorities (LPAs) to allocate and deliver housing, and there is a stronger focus on climate resilience, including flooding, drought and long-term water management within the policies.
A Major Change in National Planning Policy
This is the biggest reform of national policy in more than 10 years, with important implications for rural businesses and the agricultural sector. National policy will now have a stronger role in decision making, with local policies carrying less weight where they are inconsistent with the new NPPF.
Supporting Agricultural Modernisation
The updated NPPF (2026) sets out that substantial weight should be given to development for farm and agricultural modernisation that provides benefits for food production, animal welfare and the environment. This development includes “improved accommodation for livestock, on-farm reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels, farm shops and temporary accommodation for seasonal workers”.
Changes to Isolated Homes in the Countryside
Policy HO11 Isolated homes in the countryside (previously para 84) has been updated to include the support for long-term reuse of vacant or underused, specifically Listed buildings, rather than ‘heritage assets’ as it was previously worded.
A New Approach to Housing Delivery
Under the previous version of the NPPF (2024), if a LPA could not demonstrate a five-year housing supply or had an out-of-date development plan, a “tilted balance” would apply and housing development would be permitted, unless the LPA could demonstrate that adverse impacts significantly outweighed the benefits. The new NPPF (2026) replaces this approach with a “permanent presumption in favour of sustainable development” suggesting that national policy is now more pro-development no matter the housing supply status.
Review of Permitted Development Rights
The latest Government blog also confirmed there will be a review of Permitted Development Rights for on farm reservoirs and whether further planning reforms are needed to support the delivery of the infrastructure required for food production.
What Does This Mean for Farmers and Rural Businesses?
For farmers, landowners and rural businesses, now is the time to consider future water security and the planning opportunities available for agricultural development. Speak to our planning team in the Totnes office for more information.
Totnes Planning Team
01803 869921
planning@luscombemaye.com
