Promising 1.5 million new homes by 2029, the new Labour government has made increased house building a central part of its growth agenda. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is key to securing that.
If you really want to understand English planning policy and whether it's likely to achieve a better supply of homes, economic growth, less ugly, more functional and higher quality places, better health and well-being, and more biodiversity, this Handbook will be invaluable.
In clear language, it examines the meaning of the NPPF in a comprehensive and systematic way by reference to case law and appeal decisions. The Handbook provides practical guidance on whether a policy paragraph has changed in substance or just its numbering. Users will be able to assess whether previous authorities are still relevant.
Expertly co-edited by Gregory Jones KC and Simon Neate MRTPI, the book provides a unique commentary from a blended team of experienced specialist planning barristers from the leading planning chambers of Francis Taylor Building, and planning, transport and economics consultants from the international professional services firm WSP. This definitive, single volume guide to the NPPF will be essential reading for legal practitioners and professionals working in the field of planning.
Gregory Jones KC is a member of Francis Taylor Building. His practice covers all aspects of town & country planning (including major house building), motor sports and other sports development, major infra-structure projects (DCO consents), compulsory purchase, environmental, climate change, parliamentary, EU law and public procurement, as well as administrative law, including judicial review and statutory challenges, education, and local government, where he has appeared in some of the leading cases in these fields.
Gregory is a LA(RTPI), FRGS and Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying, and also practises in Northern Ireland and Ireland. He is a member of the Panel of KCs approved to act for Welsh Government and also separately appointed to the Panel of KCs approved to act for the Northern Ireland Government. Having worked at the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union, Gregory is an acknowledged expert in EU-derived law, especially in respect of the EIA, SEA, Water, Waste and Habitats Regulations. Gregory maintains rights of audience before the EU courts.
Gregory is consistently ranked as leading silk in planning and environmental law both in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, and is a Bencher of Lincoln's Inn and Inner Temple. He was appointed by the Irish Government to chair the 2015/16 expert review of An Bord Pleanála (Ireland's national independent planning body). He is an elected Alderman of the City of London and served as Sheriff (2024/25), and is Chancellor of the Diocese of Manchester.
Gregory is the editor and contributor of several books published by Hart and Bloomsbury Professional.
Simon Neate MRTPI is a Chartered Town Planner and has worked in consultancy for more than four decades. His experience has included research into planning and development matters, including for government; working on local and sub-regional economic development strategies for public sector agencies in France and throughout the UK; plan-making for local authorities; environmental impact assessment of projects in the UK and Ireland; and advising on development proposals and their compliance with planning and other policies. He has been an expert witness in public inquiries and in litigation relating to planning matters.
Simon was one of the founders of the consultancy Indigo Planning and was the company's executive chair until it was acquired in 2019 by WSP, the global professional services firm. He was a Director until 2023 and is now a part-time consultant with WSP.
