New planning framework outlines greater

support for affordable rural housing

It should soon be easier to bring forward more affordable rural housing proposals, particularly on smaller sites.

The measure is one of many listed in the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, which aims to accelerate the process of turning planning applications into bricks and mortar.

Published earlier this month, the framework will soon be adopted by local planning authorities, who are expected to use the document as a reference point in their decision making.

An extensive public consultation on the government’s initial plans to update the framework took place between December 2025 and March 2026.

More than 20,000 responses were received during the three-month window, including those put forward by ACRE, members of the wider Network and colleagues across the rural housing sector.

In a key win for ACRE and the wider rural housing sector, a proposal to allow developers not to build affordable housing on site – but to provide a cash contribution in lieu – has been removed from the final NPPF.

Patrick Mahon, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at ACRE, said: “Such a move would not have worked in rural areas, so we are pleased to see that the government listened to our arguments.”

Also included in the framework is the direction that all applications for homes near the most well-connected railway stations should receive automatic approval.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP said the new approach to developing land near busy transport hubs should “create jobs, unlock investment, drive growth and connect communities.”

Elsewhere, the framework sets out extra protections to prevent pubs from being sold and turned into housing.

The full framework is available to read now at www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework.