The industrial and logistics (I&L) sector is a vital backbone of the UK economy. It supports trade, enables efficient supply chains and provides a diverse range of well-paid jobs.
On 16 December 2025, the Government published proposed amendments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Here Matt Dugdale, our Planning Director for Richborough Commercial, sets out his thoughts on why they represent a timely positive step for the I&L sector:
“The consultation makes clear that economic growth is the Government’s number one mission. Importantly, the draft NPPF recognises changing business needs and the rapid expansion of sectors such as logistics and data centres. This is welcome news for the promotion of employment-led development opportunities across Richborough’s portfolio.
“Among the most significant proposals is the explicit elevation of the economic benefits of commercial development, particularly for logistics, ensuring that such schemes are given more positive weight in the planning balance. Crucially, the draft NPPF introduces a dedicated policy for logistics, acknowledging the sector’s unique characteristics, spatial requirements and potential impacts.
“The proposals also introduce clearer direction for assessing unmet need at local, regional or national level, taking into account market signals and locational requirements. This is important because the draft national development management policies support logistics schemes outside settlement boundaries, including in the Green Belt, where a clear shortfall can be demonstrated, providing much-needed clarity and support for prospective employment sites across the country.
“In parallel, the expectation that Local Plans should avoid being overly prescriptive, allowing greater flexibility to respond to evolving commercial requirements, aligns closely with Richborough’s experience in securing permission for flexible, market-responsive employment uses.
“At Richborough, we are actively promoting a wide range of I&L projects through Local Plans to outline applications and appeals. We work closely with industry partners, including the Land, Planning and Development Federation and the British Property Federation, to advocate for a policy environment that genuinely enables economic growth. The positive direction of travel signalled by these proposals reflects the critical role of logistics in supporting the competitiveness and resilience of the UK economy.”
Contact Richborough Commercial at: commercial@richborough.co.uk