The SPP will be incorporated into National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). Work is underway on this review of national policy and this research was commissioned to provide a better understanding of issues that will need to be addressed in NPF4.

The research by Ironside Farrar assesses the individual policies set out in SPP and how these are being implemented locally. It confirms that most policies are taken forward, where relevant, by planning authorities and, although wording can vary significantly, the policy intention is generally delivered.

The research highlights policy areas where there are variations to address local circumstances and identifies those policies that are included in development plans, but not SPP. The research report is supplemented by an excel database of local development plan policies.