Analysis of the Revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Key Takeaways for the Landscaping Sector

The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) introduces several key updates that have significant implications for the landscaping and environmental horticulture sector. Drawing on insights from the joint-drafted reports with the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG), the Association has further analysed the NPPF through five critical themes: health, green spaces, biodiversity, water resilience, and climate change.

Health and Wellbeing

Clause 98(c) of the NPPF reinforces the need for healthy, inclusive, and safe places through the provision of accessible green infrastructure and opportunities for walking and cycling. This echoes the Association's advocacy for the health benefits of green spaces and aligns with the EHG’s efforts to promote tree planting in urban areas, as supported by Clause 136. While the recognition of trees as integral to public health is welcome, the lack of specificity on funding and maintenance responsibilities remains a concern. Without clarity, the burden may fall on developers or local authorities, potentially limiting the quality of landscape implementation and maintenance.

Green Spaces

Access to high-quality green spaces is a central pillar of the NPPF, with Clause 103 highlighting the health and well-being benefits of such spaces. The introduction of the ‘Golden Rules’ for major developments (Clause 156c) requires new developments to provide or improve accessible green spaces. This provision creates a direct opportunity for members to influence development projects, reinforcing the Association’s position on the high standards for work our members can carry out.

However, the absence of minimum standards for residential gardens, balconies, or community green spaces limits the ability to ensure equitable green space access in urban developments. Clauses 75 and 129 aim to protect existing residential gardens, but their impact may be minimal without stricter guidelines on the size and quality of garden spaces in new developments.

Biodiversity and Conservation

The NPPF’s approach to biodiversity, set out in Clauses 192(a) and 187(d), prioritises the protection of wildlife corridors and ecological networks. While this is positive, the lack of a review of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) framework is a missed opportunity. Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) are also referenced, but further clarity is needed on how landscaping businesses will be engaged in their development and implementation.

Climate change 

The NPPF’s new tree-lined street requirement (Clause 136) is a success for EHG's campaign for sustained, high-quality tree care. This clause positions landscapers as essential contributors to climate change adaptation, particularly in urban areas. Clause 161, which promotes the reuse of existing resources and climate adaptation measures, further reinforces the relevance of the landscaping sector in the transition to net zero. However, the NPPF offers little detail on how these commitments will be enforced or funded, leaving implementation open to interpretation by local planning authorities. This could create inconsistencies across regions, a point the Association will raise in future discussions with the Government.

Water Resilience and Management 

Water resilience is a key advocacy area for the Association, and the NPPF’s recognition of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in Clauses 164(a) and 182 is a step forward. The requirement for SuDS to be incorporated into development plans aligns with the Oxford Economic Report's recommendation for flood resilience to be embedded in planning policy. However, the omission of water capture, storage, and reuse strategies leaves a critical gap. Our efforts will focus on encouraging policymakers to integrate these measures into future revisions of the NPPF, ensuring a holistic approach to water resilience.

Next Steps

The Association, in collaboration with EHG, will continue to pursue several fronts, including:

Maintenance Responsibilities: Clarifying who is responsible for funding and maintaining green infrastructure after development completion.
Biodiversity Net Gain: Pushing for the inclusion of cultivated plant diversity in BNG metrics and more recognition of landscapers within the design, implementation and maintenance of BNG.
Water Resilience: Advocating for water capture, storage, and reuse measures to be included in planning policy.
Green Space Standards: Campaigning for minimum size standards for residential gardens, balconies, and community green spaces in urban developments.
As Chair of the planning and infrastructure group for the EHG, we will seek meetings with the Planner’s Office to discuss these issues further and ensure our members' interests are represented in future planning guidance. The Association encourages members to share their feedback and experiences with the NPPF's implementation, as these insights will strengthen our campaign strategy.

Chief Executive Wayne Grills said

"The revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) signals a significant step forward for the landscaping and environmental horticulture sector, but it also leaves critical questions unanswered. The inclusion of measures like tree-lined streets and accessible green spaces is a clear recognition of the essential role that well-designed landscapes play in public health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. However, without clarity on funding and maintenance responsibilities, there is a risk that local authorities and developers will face undue pressure, potentially compromising the quality and longevity of green infrastructure projects"

"We invite our members to share their feedback on the NPPF’s implementation. Your on-the-ground insights are invaluable in shaping our ongoing advocacy efforts. Together, we can ensure that landscaping professionals are recognised as essential contributors to public health, biodiversity, and climate resilience within the national planning framework"

Conclusion

The NPPF introduces a series of changes that, if implemented effectively, could strengthen the role of the landscaping sector in national planning policy. Opportunities exist in the areas of tree-lined streets, SuDS, and green space provision, but risks remain regarding the enforcement of maintenance responsibilities and the absence of enforceable green space size standards. The Association, with the EHG, will continue to press for greater clarity, stronger policy language, and recognition of the landscaping sector’s contribution to public health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the association’s position and ensuring our voice is heard in future NPPF consultations.