Government Introduces Mandatory Housing Targets in Overhaul of National Planning Policy

The government has unveiled the final version of its long-awaited National Planning Policy Framework reforms, introducing a mandatory housing target of 370,000 homes per year and significant changes to the planning system. The measures are aimed at delivering 1.5 million homes over the next five years while addressing affordability pressures and accelerating housing delivery.
In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We’re taking immediate action to make the dream of homeownership a reality by delivering 1.5 million homes by the next parliament and rebuilding Britain to deliver for working people.” Housing Secretary Angela Rayner added: “Today’s landmark overhaul will sweep away last year’s damaging changes and shake up a broken planning system which caves into the blockers and obstructs the builders.” She continued: “I will not hesitate to do what it takes to build 1.5 million new homes over five years and deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. We expect every local area to adopt a plan to meet their housing needs. The question is where the homes and local services people expect are built, not whether they are built at all.”
Additionally, the government said it would allocate an additional £100 million in funding for local planning authorities next year. The new Labour government consulted on its rewrite of the NPPF between 30 July and 24 September. The government received over 10,000 consultation responses on the draft NPPF. While the reforms were welcomed by industry groups, there has been criticism from local authorities, who claim the higher housing targets set them up to fail.
Developers, represented by the Home Builders Federation (HBF), succeeded in lobbying for changes to the “golden rules,” which had initially required a flat 50% affordable housing target for grey belt sites. The revised approach introduces a more flexible premium tied to local policies.
The reforms present challenges and opportunities for civic societies and communities. Groups such as Civic Voice will play a critical role in influencing green belt reviews, ensuring that local needs and aspirations are met. Advocacy for transparent viability assessments and monitoring the delivery of affordable housing will also remain key priorities. As the NPPF evolves, the focus will be on how effectively these changes can bridge the gap between housing targets and local realities. Civic societies will need to remain vigilant, ensuring that the voices of communities are heard in this ambitious national push for housing reform.
Ian Harvey, Joint-Founder of Civic Voice said: "These reforms signal a pivotal moment for communities across the country. While the mandatory housing targets and grey belt revisions aim to address affordability, it’s essential that local voices are not overshadowed in the rush to deliver numbers. Civic Voice will work tirelessly to ensure community needs, sustainable design, and genuine affordability remain at the heart of planning decisions.