In the week before Christmas, DLUHC made several announcements on planning policy that are highlighted in a letter to Chief Planning Officers on 21 December.

The National Planning Policy Framework has been revised to reflect the outcome of consultation on proposals arising from the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act. The new NPPF gives local authorities more flexibility on how (or whether) to respond to local housing need and confirms that no authority is required to review or alter Green Belt boundaries unless it chooses to. An incentive to keep local plans up to date is provided by removing the requirement to demonstrate annually a 5-year supply of land for housing where a recent plan is in place, and new guidance is provided on densification in urban areas.

The letter also includes details of allocations made to 180 planning authorities from the Planning Skills Delivery Fund to help develop specialist skills and clear backlogs of planning applications.

On 18 December, DLUHC announced allocations to local authorities for the New Homes Bonus for 2024/25.