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The publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on 17^th August 2026 introduced some of the most significant changes to planning policy in recent years, creating new opportunities for farmers, landowners and rural businesses.

The new NPPF provides stronger support for:

• Development outside settlements

There is a significant change that provides a clear national policy basis for approving development outside settlements where a proposal falls into one of the specified categories.

• Farm diversification and rural business growth

Decision makers are now required to give substantial weight to business expansion and investment, farm modernisation and benefits for food production, animal welfare and environmental improvements.

• Tourism, leisure and recreational development

The revised policies should assist proposals for glamping, holiday accommodation, visitor attractions, recreational and equestrian uses and farm-based tourism enterprises, etc.

• Renewable energy projects, including solar farms and battery storage

Decision makers are required to give substantial weight to renewable energy projects, and importantly, applicants are not required to demonstrate the need for renewable energy development.

• Roadside facilities, Heavy Goods Vehicle parking and Electrical Vehicle charging hubs

Given the recognised national shortage of lorry parking and the transition towards electric vehicles, such proposals can create opportunities for farmers with land adjacent to strategic road networks.

• Development close to well-connected railway stations

A particularly significant opportunity for landowners is the new support for development around well-connected railway stations. For clients with land that benefits from location close to railway stations, particularly on settlement edges, this may create development opportunities that would previously have faced substantial policy resistance.

• A more realistic approach to rural transport

There is recognition that certain rural businesses, agricultural operations, tourism enterprises and land-based industries are inherently countryside-based and cannot always operate in highly sustainable locations. Furthermore, the revised presumption in favour of sustainable development and the stronger emphasis on meeting housing needs may improve the prospects of obtaining planning permission in many areas.

Previously refused permission?

If your planning application was refused or dismissed on appeal before 17^th August 2026, it may be worth taking a fresh look.

Changes to national policy could mean that proposals previously considered unacceptable now benefit from significantly stronger policy support.

Contact us for an initial no-obligation review of your site and development proposals. We will assess whether the revised NPPF creates a new opportunity to secure planning permission.