NPPF 2026 policy codes: where the old paragraphs went

How the structure works

Each chapter carries a letter prefix and each policy within it a number, so a citation reads as a code such as S3, GB7 or HO3. Annexes A to F sit behind the policy chapters and carry the implementation provisions, the glossary, information requirements, the housing calculation and supply method, Green Belt assessment guidance and the flood risk material.

• PM — plan-making; DM — decision-making.
• S — sustainable development, including the presumption.
• CC — climate change; F — flood risk; W — clean energy and water.
• HO — homes; L — land, including density; DP — design.
• E — economy; TC — town centres; CO — communications; M — minerals.
• GB — Green Belt; N — natural environment; HE — historic environment.
• TR — transport; HC — healthy communities; P — pollution.

The policies cited most often

These are the codes that appear in most land appraisals and representations:

• S3 — presumption in favour of sustainable development; S4 within settlements; S5 outside settlements.
• PM2 — plan review; PM9 — land availability assessment.
• DM3 — determining applications; DM5 — viability.
• HO3 — housing land supply and the Housing Delivery Test, with Annex D; HO8 — affordable homes.
• GB2, GB3, GB6, GB7, GB8 — Green Belt purposes, boundaries, control, not-inappropriate development and the Golden Rules.
• L2 — effective use of land; L3 — achieving appropriate densities, including station density expectations.
• TR3 — sustainable transport and location.
• F5 to F7 — flood risk sequential test, development and safety, with Annex F.
• N4 — protected landscapes; N6 — biodiversity importance.
• HE5 and HE6 — heritage assessment and designated heritage assets.
• TC3 and TC4 — town centre sequential and impact tests.
• Annex B — glossary, including the grey belt definition; Annex E — Green Belt assessments.

Citing the Framework correctly

Write the code, the version and the year: for example “NPPF (August 2026), policy GB7(1)(g)”. Where a test derives from an annex, cite the annex as well, since much of the operative detail on housing supply, Green Belt assessment and flood risk now sits there rather than in the policy text.

Where a historic decision or an existing appraisal relies on the December 2024 Framework, say so explicitly rather than silently renumbering it. Two Frameworks will be quoted side by side in appeals for some time, and clarity about which version a conclusion rests on is part of the argument.