This archived Practice Note discusses the requirement in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as first published in 2012 for local planning authorities to plan to meet full, objectively assessed needs (OAN) for market and affordable housing in their areas. It covers: the policy background as contained in the now replaced 2012 version of the NPPF, the approach in the courts, sanctions, the approach to deriving OAN in the now replaced 2012 version of the NPPF, the role of affordable housing, backlogs and shortfalls, persistent under-delivery and the buffers, supply and lapses, and the position where a recent neighbourhood plan is in place. The approach to housing need as it currently applies is covered in a separate Practice Note.