[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”16px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The Government’s current planning reforms – including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, and the draft revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – represent one of the most significant shifts in the English planning system in recent years.<\/p>\n
For those of us involved in land promotion, these changes are not theoretical. They will directly influence how, when and where sites are brought forward.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”So what do they mean in practice?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”A Planning System Under Strain” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]The starting point is a system that is already under pressure.<\/p>\n
According to Savills’ UK Cross Sector Outlook 2026:<\/strong><\/p>\n At the same time, the Government remains committed to delivering 1.5 million homes. However, the National Housing Federation, the Home Builders Federation and Savills have all warned that this target will be extremely difficult to meet given planning delays, rising costs, labour shortages and infrastructure constraints (Savills, 2026). For authorities without an up-to-date Local Plan or five-year supply, the pressure to allocate deliverable sites will increase significantly.<\/p>\n In the short term, this creates opportunity for landowners and promoters holding credible strategic sites. Authorities facing housing shortfalls will need robust, well-evidenced options that can realistically come forward.<\/p>\n The current position, where Councils are playing catch-up due to a lack of five-year housing land supply, particularly where the updated standard method requirement has increased significantly gives us the opportunity to maximise the potential of sites that were previously considered to be longer-term opportunities. However, uncertainty remains around land value capture and the scale of developer contributions that may be sought (Savills, 2026). That balance will be crucial to ensuring schemes remain viable and deliverable. Savills (2026) reports that average farmland values have fallen by 0.6%, although results vary widely by region and land grade.<\/p>\n For multi-generational farming families in particular, these pressures can lead to difficult conversations about the future.<\/p>\n In this context, strategic land promotion provides a structured route to unlock value while respecting long-term stewardship. A more streamlined planning system \u2014 if implemented effectively \u2014 could allow sites to progress more efficiently and with greater certainty. There will be less time to influence strategy and evidence bases.<\/p>\n Early engagement, technical work and proactive Call for Sites submissions will become even more critical.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”For promoters, preparation will be key.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Grange-Farm-2025-44.jpg” title_text=”Grange Farm 2025-44″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ackhurst-amenities-11.jpg” title_text=”ackhurst amenities-11″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”74px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Rail Stations and the %22Top 60 TTWA%22 Debate” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]One of the more contested proposals in the draft NPPF, which will make a feature in our reps to the new NPPF, is the restriction of development outside settlements to locations well-connected to stations within the top 60 Travel to Work Areas (TTWAs).<\/p>\n In principle, supporting rail-connected, sustainable growth makes sense.<\/p>\n However, Lichfields\u2019 2026 research warns of a potential \u201ccliff edge\u201d effect, where well-connected stations outside the top 60 TTWAs are excluded despite strong sustainability credentials .<\/p>\n This risks concentrating opportunity in already strong markets \u2014 particularly in the South East \u2014 while limiting growth potential in other regions.<\/p>\n We support the principle of sustainable development around rail infrastructure. However, it should not be constrained by an arbitrary top-60 threshold.<\/p>\n Similarly, suggested minimum densities of 40\u201350 dwellings per hectare may work well in urban settings, but in rural or edge-of-settlement locations, a more context-sensitive approach may be appropriate. The draft revised NPPF proposes support for SME housebuilders. This is music to the ears of our in-team housebuilder, Neil McManus of Lanley Homes, but it also opens up more small- to medium-sized sites from the land promotion side of the spectrum.<\/p>\n In reality, small sites are often treated as marginal to housing delivery, with a multitude of policy requirements rendering many applications unviable, particularly in lower-value locations.<\/p>\n The new medium site category for developments of 10\u201349 homes has been designed specifically for SMEs and would not be subject to information requirements intended for larger developments where these would be disproportionate to the scale of the proposal. Draft NPPF policies PM10 and PM14 suggest that: [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#474747″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In theory, this should simplify plan-making and reduce duplication.<\/p>\n However, SDSs will identify broad growth locations, not allocate individual sites. Detailed site allocation will still sit within Local Plans, meaning proactive engagement at local level remains essential.<\/p>\n If implemented carefully, the clearer division between strategic and local policy could improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary complexity \u2014 something the planning system urgently needs. However, environmental constraints \u2014 including Green Belt, national landscapes, national parks and flood risk \u2014 will still carry significant weight in plan-making and decision-making. They simply will not automatically determine grey belt status. The direction of travel is clear: a more rules-based, delivery-focused system. Those who engage early, evidence thoroughly and align with emerging spatial strategies will be best placed to benefit. The Government’s current planning reforms – including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, and the draft revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) – represent one of the most significant shifts in the English planning system in recent years. For those of us involved in land promotion, these […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-326","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/326","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=326"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/326\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":357,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/326\/revisions\/357"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=326"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=326"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=326"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”of Local Plans are more than five years old” number=”72″ bar_bg_color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_circle_counter][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) cannot demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply” number=”67″ bar_bg_color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_circle_counter][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”of homes consented in the first 6 months of 2025 were approved via appeal” number=”18″ bar_bg_color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_circle_counter][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Click here<\/a> for the full article.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”This tells us two things:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Reform was inevitable.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Allscott-Additional-Images-19.jpg” title_text=”Allscott Additional Images (19)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alscott-2025-131.jpg” title_text=”Alscott 2025-131″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”74px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”The Return of Mandatory Targets – Opportunity and Risk” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The draft NPPF reinforces the return of mandatory housing targets and strengthens the presumption in favour of sustainable development (notably through proposed amendments to Policies S4 and S5).<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Landowners, the Rural Economy and Unlocking Value” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-2px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Alongside policy reform, many landowners are facing increasing financial pressure.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-48px|||||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Beyond headline values, many farming businesses are experiencing:
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NT-Land-Blog-Graphic-March-2026.jpg” title_text=”NT Land Blog Graphic (March 2026)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-17px||-49px|||” custom_padding=”17px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”20px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Many are asset-rich but cash-poor.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/church-stretton-3.jpg” title_text=”church stretton-3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”36px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”A 30-Month Local Plan Process – Timing Is Everything” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The proposed move to a 30-month Local Plan process fundamentally changes how and when land promotion needs to happen.<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Phase-1-5.jpg” title_text=”Phase 1 -5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Phase-2-49-1.jpg” title_text=”Phase 2-49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Small to Medium Sized Sites” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The Government highlights the delivery of homes on small- to medium-sized sites as one of its \u201ctwelve key policy changes\u201d, intending to provide clearer support for the principle of development across a wider range of locations through plan-making.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”A More Pragmatic Approach to Viability” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”-30px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]The proposed National Development Management Policy (NDMP) GB8 (\u201cThe Golden Rules\u201d) introduces the ability to justify site-specific viability assessments in defined circumstances:
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NT-Land-Blog-Graphic-2-March-2026.jpg” title_text=”NT Land Blog Graphic – 2 (March 2026)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”This pragmatic flexibility is welcome.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”-36px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-19px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]In lower-value areas, or where affordable housing policy would otherwise render schemes unviable, this approach could help unlock development that might not otherwise proceed.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Spatial Development Strategies – Simplification or Another Layer?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ custom_margin=”-34px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]The introduction of Spatial Development Strategies (SDS) aims to provide strategic direction across wider geographies.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#124D21″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
SDFs will set housing needs for constituent authorities<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Local Plans will not need to revisit matters already addressed at SDS level<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Phase-4-10.jpg” title_text=”Phase 4-10″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”25px||||false|false” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Grey Belt and Footnote 7″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]The proposed removal of footnote 7 from the grey belt definition seems to be positive in broadening consideration of land suitability.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”The nuance here will be critical in practice.” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||2px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Our View as a Promoter” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”|700|||||||” title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]If Government is serious about closing the housing delivery gap, it cannot rely solely on new towns.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”It will need a pipeline of:” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_text_color=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Well-located” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”24px” background_color=”#124D21″ height=”111px” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Technically robust” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”24px” background_color=”#474747″ height=”111px” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Scalable” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”24px” background_color=”#474747″ height=”111px” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Deliverable strategic sites” button_text=”Click Here” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”24px” background_color=”#124D21″ height=”111px” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]The return of mandatory housing targets increases pressure on authorities to identify such sites. For landowners and promoters prepared to invest early, the next round of Local Plans presents a genuine opportunity.<\/p>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-43px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_team_member name=”By Erin Crompton” position=”Planner” image_url=”https:\/\/www.ntland.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/NT-Land-Blog-Author-Erin-Crompton-1.jpg” linkedin_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/erin-crompton-85719b1b0\/” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” body_text_align=”left” body_line_height=”1.6em” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”0px||-21px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||1px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]\ud83d\udce9 erincrompton@northerntrust.co.uk<\/a>
\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#124D21″ divider_weight=”15px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-8px|||||” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_divider color=”#000000″ divider_weight=”15px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-31px|||||” border_color_all=”#124D21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"