Planning Policy Guidance PPG
In the United Kingdom, Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) were written documents that set out the government's policies on different aspects of planning policy. They gave guidance to those involved in the operation of the planning system and explained the relationship between planning policies and other policies relating to development and land use. They had to be taken into account by regional planning bodies and local planning authorities in preparing regional planning guidance and development plans and could also be material to decisions on individual planning applications and appeals.
Planning Policy Guidance notes were gradually replaced by Planning Policy Statements (PPS), written statements published by the government to help explain the statutory provisions of the planning policy.
Planning Policy Statements were in turn progressively revoked when the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in 2012. However, whilst the NPPF was commonly cited as having revoked all Planning Policy Statements and reduced planning policy from over 1000 pages to around 50, in fact, unless specifically revoked by the framework, existing policies remained effective.
The National Planning Policy Framework and all associated planning guidance can now be found on the Planning Practice Guidance website.
Archived Planning Policy Guidance notes can be found on the Planning Portal.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.