House Builders Association Newsletter 2026 – News Round Up Special Issue

A special issue of the House Builders Association Newsletter that explores the latest updates to the National Planning Policy Framework and the Housing Delivery Test results.
Created: 24 August 2026
Last Reviewed: 24 August 2026
Contents
Introduction to the Special Edition
National Planning Policy Framework
Government Statement
Two statutory consultees are removed, and a new performance framework is being developed
Development around railway stations
Development density
Viability – planning practice guidance awaited
Green/Grey Belt assessment
Stronger presumption in favour of development in ‘settlements’
New medium-size category of housebuilder
Build-out rates
Strategic sites
Protected Landscapes
Optional Technical Standards
National Decision-Making Policies (NDMPs)
Housing Delivery Test
NFB Tendering Portal
Business Leadership Diploma
Biodiversity Net Gain NFB survey
CITB Homebuilders Employer Network
HBA Housebuilders survey

Introduction to the Special Edition

As mentioned in the last issue, housing and planning news is scarce during August and the next issue will be published in early September.

 

However, on 17 August the government issued the latest version of the NPPF, and this Special Edition looks at changes in the final version, compared to the consultation draft.

 

The new NPPF replaces the NPPF first published in March 2012, revised in July 2018, February 2019, July 2021, September 2023, December 2023 and December 2024.

 

Savills commented, “This NPPF is the eighth iteration since 2012; many in the industry will now hope for a period of policy stability.”

 

It can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework

 

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