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The Localism Act of 2011 focussed on giving power back to the people and enabling them the opportunity to influence their surroundings and have their voices heard. For the sceptical ones, it was a power move by the Government that wouldn’t last. In December 2025, the Government announced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which is designed to push the growth agenda and its ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million homes, alongside accelerating major infrastructure delivery. In short, the Government is looking to reduce delays in the planning system, support the development of new towns, energy, water and transport infrastructure, and reform the legal challenge process for major infrastructure projects.  

To be even more concise, to some, localism is on its last legs. With the Government setting ambitious growth targets and trying to save face, local voices are being drowned out by a shift from local to central control. Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans were becoming outdated and carrying less weight due to ever increasing housing targets. With many councils in our area failing to be able to provide a healthy housing land supply, this is resulting in development being approved, to the dismay of the residents. The voices of the people are being silenced by political agenda.

As part of the Government’s latest announcements, a substantial rewrite of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is proposed. A few interesting takes from this include a default ‘yes’ to suitable homes being built around rail stations and support to higher-rise development in towns and cities. Other proposals include trying to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprise builders with ‘medium sites’ and proportionate costs and requirements. Applications including a mix of development, rural affordable homes and accessible housing for the elderly will be favourably looked upon. Consultation on this revised NPPF will take place this year with an aim of helping to deliver on the growth targets, whilst providing a clearer and more rules-based system.

In terms of how this could impact you, with many councils reviewing the Local Plans, there is an opportunity to put land forward to development consideration. Examples include Bedford Borough Council which is preparing its Local Plan to 2040, Milton Keynes Council is currently consulting on its Plan to 2050, West Northamptonshire Council is about to consult on its draft Plan (Reg 18), and Cotswold District Council has recently undertaken a ‘call for sites’. Proof is in the pudding that everywhere you look, councils are scrambling to try and meet ever increasing targets, and for landowners there is opportunity.

Should you wish to discuss any land which you feel might have potential in light of the above, please feel free to make contact with Tristan.