In 2021, the government committed to reviewing the National Planning Policy Framework as it applied to development near ancient woodlands. It agreed to strengthen guidance if the review found that implementation of relevant policies could be improved. Stephenson Halliday and ADAS analysed planning applications and appeals in England over a four year period. They also interviewed planning officers and inspectors to gain insight into the factors influencing the decision-making process. The results showed implementation was not as expected, suggesting the issue was not with the policy wording as such, but with the process itself.