Freight and logistics development has been given its own dedicated policy in England’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), following calls for greater recognition of the sector in the planning system.
Published on 17 August 2026, the framework introduces policy E3, which requires freight and logistics developments to have appropriate access to transport networks, limit environmental impacts and provide sufficient and secure parking for lorries and other vehicles.
The policy also explicitly recognises electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and the need for some logistics facilities to operate at night, with impacts on neighbouring residents and other uses assessed alongside proposed mitigation.
The new framework replaces the previous NPPF published in December 2024. Its national decision-making policies are material considerations that must be taken into account in planning decisions from the date of publication.
The changes affecting logistics extend beyond the new E3 policy.
Under policy E1, development plans should make provision, where a need exists or is anticipated, for freight and logistics operations “at a variety of scales” and in suitably accessible locations.
The framework specifically references developments needed to support supply chains, including last-mile deliveries, as well as transport innovation and decarbonisation.
Policy E2, meanwhile, states that “substantial weight” should be given to the economic benefits of commercial developments that enable businesses to invest, expand or adapt, particularly where proposals would support improvements in freight and logistics.
When determining whether an unmet requirement for business premises exists, planning authorities should also consider market evidence of undersupply and whether existing allocations meet the specific locational requirements of a proposed development.
Major freight and logistics development can also be supported outside existing settlements where there is an evidenced unmet need and the proposal complies with policy E3.
The NPPF additionally strengthens national policy around roadside facilities and HGV parking.
Policy TR5 supports new or significantly expanded roadside facilities outside settlements where there is an evidenced need to improve road-user safety and welfare or access to EV charging infrastructure and alternative fuels.
This explicitly includes overnight lorry parking intended to address local or wider shortages and reduce parking in locations without appropriate facilities.
Upgrades to existing facilities can also be supported where they improve driver welfare and security, accommodate changing transport technology or reduce environmental impacts.
The framework states that development should not result in the loss of existing roadside facilities unless alternative provision with good access to the strategic transport network is being provided locally, or the facility is no longer needed or viable.
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Logistics UK welcomed the changes, having called during consultation for stronger recognition of freight and logistics within national planning policy.
Chief executive Ben Fletcher said: “The new policy includes more references to logistics and reflects several key recommendations made by Logistics UK during the consultation process, including support for locating logistics development close to strategic transport networks, provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and an explicit requirement for sufficient and secure lorry parking.”
Fletcher also welcomed the framework’s recognition of driver welfare and security, the transition to new vehicle technologies and the operational requirement for some logistics facilities to operate at night.
However, he said Logistics UK would continue to call for stronger recognition of logistics as critical national infrastructure and greater protection for existing logistics land.
The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) also welcomed the logistics provisions when the revised NPPF was published for consultation earlier this year.
UKWA said its members regularly faced difficulties securing planning consent for new warehouses and welcomed both the increased weight afforded to freight and logistics development and the requirement for planning authorities to provide sites capable of meeting existing and anticipated demand.
The government’s consultation attracted 657 responses specifically on the proposed E3 freight and logistics policy.
Some 51% strongly or partly supported it, compared with 17% who strongly or partly opposed it, while 32% were neutral. The government said respondents had broadly welcomed clearer national policies for freight and logistics.
The framework also introduces a formal definition of freight and logistics covering the processing, storage, distribution and transportation of goods and supporting infrastructure, including warehousing and distribution operations, rail freight terminals, intermodal facilities, HGV operating centres, lorry parking, ports and inland border facilities.
