England’s New Land Use Framework

First Land Use Framework

The government has unveiled its first land use framework, marking a significant step towards achieving the UK’s environmental targets. The purpose is for England; "it sets out how we can use our land more effectively. Changes are needed to increase the resilience of our homes, communities, infrastructure, and food systems, while speeding up development and restoring nature. A thriving natural environment and resilience to a changing climate are the foundations of our economy and essential for food security and profitable farm businesses".

The framework suggests that 7% of England’s land – an area approximately two-and-a-half times the size of Cornwall – should be dedicated to nature, forests, and renewable energy.

Ministers aim to reduce tensions between housing development and nature protection by, for the first time, mapping out in detail how England’s land is used and how it can be adapted to meet evolving needs.

The Framework is supported by updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introducing new rules such as a “default yes” for housing developments within walking distance of train stations. Housebuilders are also required to incorporate ponds, wetlands, and improved urban drainage into their projects to address the increasing risk of flooding.

Agriculture

Farmers will receive guidance on whether their land might be better suited to forestry, wetland or peatland restoration, or other non-farming uses. Where appropriate, incentives will encourage transitions, though not force them. Additionally, the UK’s outdated agricultural land classifications will be revised.

According to the report, only about 1% of England’s land will likely be needed for solar and wind farms and other renewable energy projects. However, this estimate may already require updating, as it does not account for increased demands on water and energy from the construction of new AI datacentres.

Key Measures from the Land Use Framework

• Prioritising the restoration of peatland, with only 13% area not degraded undegraded.  Though development such as wind or solar farms will not be outright banned.
• Promoting “multi-use” land strategies, such as livestock grazing alongside wind and solar farms, and nature restoration on arable land.
• Encouraging local authorities to establish nature reserves in urban as well as rural areas.
• Subjecting grouse moors to closer inspection and stricter regulation.
• No new “right to roam”, but a consultation will be launched to make landowner liability more proportionate, potentially opening up land for public access.
• Publication of a national soil map.
• Creation of a new land use unit.
• Government planning for changes to the UK’s landscape under scenarios of global warming of 2°C and up to 4°C above preindustrial levels.

A single spatial map of England’s critical natural assets will be published, highlighting areas that deliver the most for nature and demonstrating where recovery efforts and food production can mutually support one another.

The report is available at the link below.

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