The planning system in the UK
Planning in the UK is structured on several levels, beginning with national government strategy and extending to local authorities. The table below summarises the key policies that influence planning processes.
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*Kirklees Local plan
The Kirklees Local Plan was last adopted on 27 February 2019. It is currently undergoing a full update, following a statutory review conducted in Summer 2023. The council determined that the plan needed significant revisions due to:
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Failure to meet housing delivery targets
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Changes in employment land use
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The declaration of a climate emergency
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Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shifts.
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
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The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was last updated on 12 December 2024, with some smaller amendments introduced in February 2025.
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The updated planning framework claims to strengthen the role of communities in shaping the places they live. Through public consultations and neighbourhood planning, residents are said to now have more opportunities to influence how and where development happens.
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The new rules empower councils to reject poor-quality or unattractive proposals, while giving local people a greater say in the design, layout, and character of new developments. This approach ensures that planning decisions reflect local priorities and help create places that are not only functional, but also valued by the people who live there.