There is a new emphasis in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on promoting the ‘rural economy’, but markedly less detailed guidance on how issues arising from development proposals should be considered. There are, however, a number of safeguards available in both the NPPF and more detailed planning regulations which can protect countryside against damaging development. The briefing includes campaign tips and an analysis of law and policy changes introduced by the National Planning Policy Framework in March 2012.