Irwin Mitchell’s Planning & Environment Blog

Each month, we will be bringing together the latest articles written by our team covering key developments, legal insights, and practical guidance across the planning and environmental law landscape. Whether it's new legislation, landmark cases, or upcoming policy changes, our aim is to keep you informed about what is happening in the planning and environmental world.

In this edition, we are highlighting the articles we have published during February. We hope you find them insightful and useful in your work.

Explore the highlights below:

Are we being persistent enough about PFAS? UK Government publishes long awaited plan

By Claire Petricca-Riding & Chyna Fairclough-Jones

Published 23 February 2026

The UK Government’s newly published PFAS Plan: Building a safer future together sets out a cautious but comprehensive framework for tackling so‑called “forever chemicals”. Released amid rising concern over PFAS contamination, from remote environments to heavily impacted communities like Thornton‑Cleveleys, the Plan signals a strategic shift but stops short of the sweeping regulatory bans emerging in the EU.

Its three‑pillar strategy focuses on expanding monitoring across water, soil and wildlife to build a stronger evidence base; managing PFAS pathways through targeted REACH restrictions, emissions controls and innovation in alternatives; and reducing exposure via improved testing methods, potential drinking water limits and guidance on contaminated land.

While comprehensive, the Plan sets out several years of data gathering before firm regulation is expected. This science‑first stance is prudent but risks delaying meaningful intervention, particularly where public health impacts remain uncertain but potentially significant. Local authorities, regulators and water companies will face increasing responsibilities as standards tighten and new statutory limits are considered.

The Plan recognises the complexity and persistence of PFAS, but questions remain about whether its pace matches the urgency of the challenge. Ensuring that evidence‑building does not slow the transition to action will be key to reducing the long‑term environmental and health risks posed by these chemicals.

Decoding the new NPPF consultation draft: key takeaways from December 2025’s proposed planning policy reforms

By Anna Tranter

Published 30 January 2026

The Government’s draft revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) proposes a major shift toward a more rules‑based planning system. Central to the reforms is the introduction of National Decision‑Making Policies, which would act as a national baseline for decisions and override conflicting local plans, raising concerns about reduced local flexibility and uncertainty for plans already in progress.

The draft replaces the long‑standing “presumption in favour of sustainable development” with a new focus on “suitably located development”, aiming to direct growth to predefined areas and support key sectors such as AI, logistics and rural industries. Housing delivery remains a priority, with encouragement for higher‑density development around transport hubs (even within some Green Belt areas) and new support for SME‑led medium‑sized sites. The updated approach to Green Belt and newly defined Grey Belt land could make development more permissible where land contributes less strongly to traditional Green Belt purposes.

With consultation open until 10 March 2026, the reforms present an opportunity to influence the final framework. However, much will depend on how current ambiguities are resolved, and developers may need to prepare for a more centralised and prescriptive planning landscape.