New Housing Policies and What They Mean for SME Developers

The recent changes in national housing policy, particularly the forthcoming revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), are reshaping the approach to housing delivery across England. After years of inconsistent targets and an uncertain policy environment, the government has shifted its stance by reintroducing mandatory housing targets that will distribute housing growth more evenly across the country, including rural and smaller urban areas. The removal of the Urban Uplift policy—which previously concentrated housing targets in the largest urban areas—now provides a unique window of opportunity for developers to focus on smaller settlements.

Under the revised approach, many smaller settlements and rural towns are seeing their housing targets increase by up to 200% or more. These areas, which were often overlooked in favour of large urban centres, are now at the forefront of England’s housing delivery ambitions. This change is creating opportunities for SME developers to acquire and develop land where demand is set to increase and competition from larger players may be less intense.

Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy is uniquely positioned to help SME developers navigate this changing landscape. By staying ahead of planning policy updates and using our commercial insight, we can guide developers in choosing the right locations and right sites for development, allowing them to align their projects with emerging housing targets and community needs.

Identifying the Right Sites: The Key to Success in Smaller Settlements

For SME developers, the key to taking advantage of these policy changes lies in the ability to identify and secure the right sites in the right locations. Smaller settlements and rural areas can be a complex market—their development needs are not just about numbers but about understanding community dynamics, local demand, and opportunities for sustainable growth. The forthcoming revisions to the NPPF put significant emphasis on localised housing needs, making strategic site selection critical to any development’s success.

Bartons can help developers tailor their land buying strategy to focus on sites that are most likely to receive planning approval and to align with local housing policies. By working closely with local authorities and understanding their individual housing needs, Bartons can provide crucial insights into the types of sites that are most likely to succeed. We look beyond just the planning potential of a site and consider its broader market appeal, infrastructure connectivity, and alignment with community aspirations.

Bartons’ experience with local planning authorities means that we can identify sites that not only meet national housing targets but are also in areas where planning approval is more achievable. Our relationships with planning officers and understanding of local policy intricacies allow us to act as a bridge between SME developers and local stakeholders, smoothing the way for planning applications and facilitating positive outcomes.

The Importance of Strategic Planning for Smaller Schemes

Developing in smaller settlements is fundamentally different from working in larger urban areas. Smaller schemes require a sensitive and strategic approach that balances the need for new housing with the character and infrastructure of the local community. With the revised NPPF soon to be implemented, there will be an increased focus on sustainable development, integrating new homes with existing services, and ensuring that developments provide lasting value for both the local community and the developer.

For SME developers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, the smaller scale of these developments means there is less margin for error, and understanding local policy nuances is crucial. On the other hand, there is a greater opportunity to build strong relationships with local communities, deliver schemes that genuinely meet local needs, and secure planning permission for schemes that might struggle to gain traction in more saturated urban markets.

Bartons can help developers in this space by providing tailored planning support, from feasibility assessments to planning applications, ensuring that every step of the development process is informed by a deep understanding of local needs and policy frameworks. Our consultancy can assist in designing schemes that respect the character of smaller settlements, contribute positively to the local area, and comply with evolving planning requirements.

Maximising Returns Through Smart Land Strategy

At Bartons, we understand that for developers, it’s not just about delivering homes—it’s about maximising returns on investment. With the government focusing more on smaller settlements, the potential for high returns exists for those who can identify the right opportunities early and act decisively. Our approach is centred around helping SME developers understand the planning context, assess market conditions, and secure the sites that are most likely to deliver both short-term gains and long-term value.

We offer a comprehensive approach to land strategy that incorporates planning advice, market analysis, and risk assessment. By understanding the planning landscape and considering future policy shifts, Bartons can advise on which sites have the most potential to increase in value as planning requirements evolve. Whether it’s advising on the optimal mix of housing types for a particular community, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, or leveraging local knowledge to navigate planning challenges, our team has the expertise needed to support developers from land acquisition through to planning approval and beyond.

Navigating the Revised Planning System with Bartons

The forthcoming revisions to the NPPF and the new approach to housing targets signal a renewed focus on delivering the right types of housing in the right locations. For SME developers, the opportunity to make a significant impact on smaller settlements is real—but only if they understand how to navigate the evolving planning system effectively.

Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy is committed to supporting developers through these changes, offering a combination of planning expertise and commercial acumen to ensure that our clients can not only comply with new regulations but also maximise their development potential. Our hands-on approach to planning means that we’re involved at every stage of the process, from land identification to planning submission and negotiation, ensuring that developers can focus on what they do best—creating high-quality homes that meet the needs of their communities.

For developers looking to engage with smaller schemes in smaller settlements, now is the time to act. The rebalancing of housing targets and the renewed emphasis on smaller settlements present a unique opportunity for those ready to step into this emerging market. Bartons can guide developers in tailoring their strategies to align with these policy changes, helping them navigate the complexities of planning and maximise their returns on every project.

Conclusion: The Opportunity Ahead for SME Developers

The upcoming changes to housing policy and the revised NPPF are creating a new landscape for housing delivery in England, with an emphasis on smaller settlements and increased housing targets across the country. For SME developers, this is a chance to capitalise on untapped markets, deliver much-needed homes, and maximise returns on investment. However, taking advantage of these opportunities requires an in-depth understanding of the planning system, local policy dynamics, and the specific needs of smaller communities.

Bartons Planning & Development Consultancy has the expertise, market insight, and planning knowledge needed to help developers succeed in this changing environment. Whether you are a developer seeking to acquire land or a landowner looking to maximise the value of your site, Bartons can offer the strategic advice and planning support necessary to achieve your goals. Now is the time to engage with the evolving planning system and seize the opportunities it presents.

To discuss how Bartons can help with your next project and to tailor your development strategy to align with these emerging policies, get in touch with us today. Let’s build the future together, one successful scheme at a time.