The publication of the Government's draft reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) presents a great deal of opportunities for local authorities and their planning departments. No doubt, this week's announcements will provide councils with a considerable to do list, but the opportunity for local government to play a significant direct role in housebuilding for the first time in a generation is an interesting prospect.

While these are currently only consultation draft policies, councils need to take them seriously and start thinking about how policies will be implemented in practice. Systems, processes and local plans will need to be updated – and the time and resource needed to do this shouldn't be underestimated.