National Planning Policy Framework
In February 2012 the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government first published the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), most recently updated in February 2025.
The document aims to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, to protect the environment and to promote sustainable growth. It sets out the government’s requirements for the planning system but only records what is relevant, proportionate and necessary to do so. It provides a framework for planning by replacing a thousand pages of national planning policies with a short guidance document of just over sixty pages. This is supported by a series of Planning Practice Guidance Notes (PPGs).
The NPPF does not specifically differentiate between historic buildings and archaeology but brings them together using the term heritage asset. A heritage asset can be a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. It includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authorities (including local listings)
National Planning Policy Framework
Local plans
National planning policy places Local Plans at the heart of the planning system, so it is essential that they are on place and kept up to date. Local Plans set out a vision and framework for the future development of the area, addressing needs and opportunities, adapting to climate change and securing good design. They are also a critical tool in guiding decisions about individual development proposals, as Local Plans (together with any neighbourhood plans that have been made) are the starting point for considering whether applications can be approved. It is important for all areas to put an up to date plan in place to positively guide development proposals.
National Planning Policy sets clear expectations as to how a Local Plan must be developed in order to be justified, effective, consistent with national policy and positively prepared to deliver sustainable development that meets local needs and national priorities.
District council local plans
Follow the links to read the relevant plan:
- Central Lincolnshire Local Plan (West Lindsey, City of Lincoln, North Kesteven)
- South East Lincolnshire Local Plan (East Lindsey, Boston and South Holland)
- The South Kesteven Local Plan
The Conservation Area Appraisals and Neighbourhood Plans can be found on the website for each district council.