The New NPPF and Planning Innovation in Practice
Learn about the new NPPF from MHCLG, alongside planning innovation from regional and local authorities, including digitally enabled approaches.
Digital Planning Directory Online Show & Tell: The New NPPF and Planning Innovation in Practice
National policy, local innovation and digitally enabled approaches
22 September 2026, 1–2pm (BST)
The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) represents one of the most significant changes to national planning policy in England in recent years, with important implications for planning authorities and the wider sector.
Join us for the next Digital Planning Directory Online Show & Tell, bringing together perspectives from central government on national planning policy, alongside regional and local authorities sharing planning innovation in practice.
The session will start with Michael Bingham, Deputy Director of Planning Policy at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), introducing the new NPPF and its key changes and aspirations. We will then hear from the Greater London Authority, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Plymouth City Council, who will share examples of planning innovation and how digital and data-led approaches are supporting plan-making, cross-boundary working and better planning outcomes.
Agenda:
1.00pm | Welcome and introduction
Dr Wei Yang OBE, CEO, Digital Task Force for Planning
1.05pm | The New National Planning Policy Framework
Michael Bingham, Deputy Director of Planning Policy, MHCLG
1.30pm | Planning Innovation in Practice
- Simon Long, Interim Head of Data and Digital for Planning and Place, Greater London Authority
- Emma Poolan, Principal Researcher, Planning and Housing, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Ed Mannings, Senior Planning Policy Officer, Plymouth City Council
2.00pm | Close
