Housing projects located near stations will be given an automatic presumption in favour of approval as the government works toward its goal of delivering 1.5 million new homes.
Housing secretary Steve Reed has unveiled updates to planning rules that will simplify development on land within a 15-minute walk of “well-connected” rail and tram stations, including certain green belt areas.
Reed said: “I promised we’d get Britain building and that’s exactly what we are doing. But it has to be the right homes in the right places and nearby transport links are a vital part of that.
“We’re making it easier to build well-connected and high-quality homes, using stronger powers to speed things up if councils drag their feet, and proposing to streamline the consultation process to cut back delays.
“This is about action: spades in the ground, breathing new life into communities, and families finally getting the homes they need.”
With housebuilding near well-connected train stations now set to receive a default “yes”, property developers will be encouraged to build more homes near these transport links, and councils in England will also now be required to tell the government when they intend to reject new housing developments over a certain size, with the housing secretary able to have the final say on whether they should go ahead.
These changes will be introduced alongside other proposals to boost housebuileing and economic growth,
Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented: “We’re ending years of dither and delay by green lighting affordable new homes for working people.
“This is another demonstration that our Plan for Change is getting spades in the ground faster, connecting people with jobs and opportunities closer to where they live, and boosting towns and cities across the country.”
Planning reforms to give greater certainty and strength for development around well-connected rail stations, including trains and trams, will be proposed through a new pro-growth and rules-based National Planning Policy Framework, which will be consulted on later this year.
The housing secretary is expected to make further announcements to speed up housebuilding across the country before the end of the year.
