Changes to planning rules ‘double down’ on unrealistic housing targets

Proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) are highly centralising and fail to sufficiently prioritise essential infrastructure.

CPRE Sussex has officially responded to the Government’s plans to radically change existing planning rules.

CPRE Sussex said there were ‘some details to be welcomed’ in the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). However, it raised serious concerns about the plan overall. In summary the charity believes the plans:

– Are highly centralising, further reducing the scope of local communities and their elected representatives to shape the places where they live, work and play.

– Double down on unrealistic and undeliverable housing targets, opening the door to yet more speculative and unplanned development.

– Fail to sufficiently prioritise essential infrastructure, or sustainable travel.

– Undermine the idea that we should develop in ways that protect the ability of future generations to live well.

– Place the countryside under significant threat, potentially harming wildlife, habitats, food security and other critical land uses.

CPRE Sussex director Paul Steedman said: “The proposed changes to the NPPF appear to largely benefit landowners and developers while failing to protect the countryside or support local people who are struggling to afford to live in the areas they grew up in. These proposals are even more worrying when you consider that they come on top of the ‘pay to trash nature’ reforms of the Planning and Infrastructure Act.

“This government appears to be intent on positioning nature and local communities as ‘blockers’ to economic success rather than building blocks. I have written to all local councillors and MPs asking them to read our concerns in more details and respond to the consultation.”

The consultation on changes to the NPPF closes on March 10.

Read:

CPRE Sussex response to NPPF consultation Feb 2026

Cover letter for MPs and councillors – CPRE Sussex response to NPPF consultation Feb 2026

CPRE Sussex is asking members of the public to write to their MP, calling for them to raise concerns around the new NPPF draft. Sussex residents can contact their MP using this link.

View the proposals and consultation documents: here.