Government response to the proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system consultation

In a major boost for communities across the country, the government has today (12/12/2024) confirmed changes to planning rules, including turbocharging charging growth with new, mandatory targets for councils to ramp up housebuilding across the country. The planning overhaul seeks to tackle the chronic housing shortage using a new method of calculation, the Indicative Local Housing Needs (opens new window). This sees growth targets rise from 300,000 to 370,000 homes a year from five years to six years but is silent on housing for an ageing population.

While older people are referenced in paragraph 63, there is no specific section in the main body of the NPPF in relation to housing for older people. However, the new growth-focused NPPF does include requirements for promoting healthy and safe communities in Chapter 8 as well as ensuring homes are inclusive, high-quality and well-designed in Chapter 12 (with reference in a footnote that planning policies for housing should make use of the Government’s optional technical standards for accessible and adaptable housing, where this would address an identified need for such properties and tools such as Building for a Healthy Life). The government has also committed to updating the National Design Guide and National Model Design Code in Spring next year, also in Chapter 12.     

Commenting on the NPPF, the Housing LIN’s CEO, Jeremy Porteus, said:

“Planning for a greater supply of HAPPI-inspired, age-friendly homes and communities were key recommendations by the recent Older People’s Housing Taskforce. We called for strengthening national planning policy and guidance as a means to create the right levers and tools locally to incentivise and accelerate the development of a good range of accessible mainstream and care ready specialist housing, as well as healthy places people want to choose to live in later life. So, while today's publication sets out the government’s overarching strategic direction and how it sees the NPPF delivering its overarching housing growth priorities, it is disappointing that there is not greater attention given to planning for a more age-inclusive housing market, as advocated by the Taskforce and referred to by respondents to the government’s recent planning consultation.”

For more information about planning for an ageing population, visit Housing LIN's dedicated planning portal.

And, building on the Older People’s Housing Taskforce report and in anticipation of the upcoming government Housing Strategy, which is expected to focus on measures that facilitate the goal of constructing 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, we asked Housing LIN Members to share their perspectives on what should be included in the Strategy to address the housing needs and aspirations of an ageing population. Read 'A new housing strategy for all?' here.