News
The new NPPF: isolated dwellings
Planning policy has long required special justification for isolated homes in the countryside. The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) identifies limited
The new NPPF: Biodiversity Net Gain
Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an established part of the planning system. Subject to statutory exemptions, development is generally required to achieve
Navigating the new National Planning Policy Framework
On 17 August 2026, the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published and came into immediate effect for planning decisions. It
Government announces new drought support measures for farmers
Defra has announced new measures to support farmers affected by prolonged dry weather and drought across England. The measures include greater flexibility
Capital grants 2026 opens for applications
Defra has announced today that the Capital Grants 2026 scheme is now open for new applications. The scheme provides funding for a
BNG exemptions are changing
In April, we discussed potential upcoming changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) exemptions. In July, the Government announced that the following changes
When does a conversion become a rebuild?
An appeal against the refusal by Somerset Council of a Class Q application to convert two agricultural buildings into dwellings highlights the
CIL and outline planning consents
Last month, we highlighted a community infrastructure levy (CIL) appeal decision that turned on the CIL indexation allowance where there has been
SFI26 update
Defra has confirmed a £240 million budget for SFI26 with £60m allocated to Window 1 applications due to open this month. Importantly,
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 Update
Defra has published new guidance for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26), providing further detail on how this year’s offer is expected
HMRC guidance about the taxation of ecosystem services
HMRC published its long awaited technical note on the taxation treatment of income and expenditure on biodiversity net gain (BNG) units, nutrient
Statistics for business rates challenges and changes
His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Valuation Office (VO) regularly publish statistics on the number and outcomes of challenges to