By SWBC Chair, Claire Pearce
At a time when Government is desperate for good news, economic growth remains stubbornly slow, and unemployment is rising. Part of the mission of government is to unlock growth, reduce bureaucracy and streamline regulation. The planning system is one part of this, and there is a new tranche of documents out for consultation.
If you are working in the real estate, finance or development field, or have an interest in longer-term strategic planning of the region do take a look and provide responses back to Government.
The Government are seeking views on a revised, draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system. The draft was published on 16th December 2025 and is open for consultation until 10th March 2026.
They are also seeking views on:
- data centres and onsite energy generation
- standardised inputs in viability assessments
- reforming site thresholds
The Government has also recently announced a consultation on Design and Place Making Planning Practice Guidance (DPPG). This is out for seven weeks from 21 January 2026 to 10 March 2026.
Draft for consultation – Design and Placemaking Planning Practice Guidance
Spatial Development Strategies (SDS): SDSs are high-level spatial plans looking ahead at least 20 years. The Government is seeking initial views on the proposed geography over which spatial development strategies (SDS) should be prepared. This will allow prospective strategic planning authorities to understand the geographical area for which they may be planning. It will also allow them to carry out preparatory work on their SDS, ahead of legislation coming into force, following the passing of the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
SDSs will ensure that sub-regional areas can effectively plan to:
- to meet their housing needs
- co-ordinate the provision of strategic infrastructure
- grow their economies
- improve the environment and climate resilience
They will set a spatial framework for their area, identifying the appropriate scale of growth and development, and they may also identify the need for regeneration, protection or improvement of the built or natural environment.
The consultation was published on 12 February 2026 and is out for consultation until 26 March 2026.
They will set the framework for local plans, which will have to be in general conformity with the relevant SDS. The draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which is currently out to consultation, contains proposed policy on the content of an SDS.
Strategic planning authorities will not be able to commence work formally on an SDS until the legislation is commenced, which is currently expected to be summer 2026. However, authorities can undertake preparatory work in anticipation of the duty.
Authorities that will be strategic planning authorities under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill- closely tied to devolution – more on this next time!
Areas for producing spatial development strategies – GOV.UK
claire pearce
Claire has over thirty years’ experience working across the public and private sectors in a diverse range of development roles, all with a key focus on place transformation, performance and delivery. With a demonstrable track record in nationally significant and complex regeneration projects, Claire has been able to create the conditions to attract investment, transform places and uplift opportunities for communities. Known for a pro-growth, pro-business approach, Claire has led and delivered considerable economic restructuring both in Reading and more recently in Bridgwater, Somerset and has left a legacy that celebrates sustained economic growth.
Formally Chief Planning Officer for Sedgemoor District Council, Claire led the public sector response to Hinkley Point C from strategy through negotiation to implementation. She has provided strategic advice on Sizewell C and has operated as the Director of Planning in the private sector for 5 years, re-imaging the planning and regeneration strategy to create the Gravity project, securing the Tata/ Agratas gigafactory into the UK.
