Community led development
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) December 2025 defines a community-led development as:
'A development taken forward by, or with, a not-for-profit organisation, that is primarily for the purpose of meeting the needs of its members or the wider local community, rather than being a primarily commercial enterprise. The organisation should be created, managed and democratically controlled by its members, and membership of the organisation should be open to all beneficiaries and prospective beneficiaries of that organisation. It may take any one of various legal forms including a co-operative society, community benefit society and company limited by guarantee. The organisation should own, manage or steward the development in a manner consistent with its purpose, potentially through a mutually supported arrangement with a Registered Provider of Social Housing. The benefits of the development to the community should be clearly defined and consideration given to how those benefits can be protected over time, including in the event of the organisation being wound up.'
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Community.
- Community facilities.
- Community Infrastructure Levy.
- Communities of practice.
- Community of place.
- Community right to bid.
- Community rights.
- Cohousing and related terms.
- Co-operative Housing.
- Co-operative Housing examples.
- Localism Act.
- Local development order.
- Local needs analysis.
- National Planning Policy Framework.
- Neighbourhood development order.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Planning permission.
- Right to build.
- Right to regenerate.
- Society.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Undervaluing our industrial past
Heritage value changes as taste for building styles changes.
Changing expectations around competence and compliance
New information sheet from CIAT.
Grenfell investigation files passed to CPS
Angela Rayner apologises on behalf of the British state.
Electrical contractors need to understand the practical implications.
The real barrier to getting more value from digital technology.
Your guide to The Construction Reset at UKCW Birmingham.
Accommodating the Victorian and Edwardian working woman. Book review.
Rethinking passive fire protection in design
PFP demands the same level of design rigour as structure or services.
38% of Gen Zs feel safe when a fire door is wedged open.
Stunning images from around the world
Shortlist for CIOB’s Art of Building photography competition.
Guidance for conversion of traditional pre-1919 stone buildings.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr
A marked difference to the fate of industrial landscapes in the UK.

















