New housing developments located near train stations will receive a “default yes” from planners as part of the UK government’s initiative to construct 1.5 million homes. Housing Secretary Steve Reed is set to announce amendments to planning regulations, which will facilitate construction on land within a 15-minute walking distance of “well-connected” train and tram stations. These changes will notably extend to designated green belt areas.
The forthcoming amendment to the National Planning Policy Framework is among several proposals Mr. Reed is expected to unveil on October 3, 2023. Alongside the default approval for developments near transport links, additional measures include granting ministers the authority to intervene when local councils seek to reject applications for large housing projects. Furthermore, the government aims to remove certain organisations from the list of mandatory consultations for planning applications.
Mr. Reed emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “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.” The Labour Party’s manifesto has committed to delivering 1.5 million homes by the next general election, a response to the ongoing housing crisis. Yet, recent statistics indicate that only 231,300 new homes were constructed from the last election until September 2023, highlighting a need for increased momentum to meet this ambitious target.
In his upcoming announcement, Mr. Reed will outline “stronger powers” to address local councils that delay the approval of new housing projects. Specifically, local authorities that plan to refuse permission for developments exceeding 150 homes will be required to notify the government, allowing ministers to have the final say on such proposals.
This shift in planning policy also proposes to exempt certain organisations, including Sport England, The Gardens Trust, and Theatres Trust, from the list of bodies that must be consulted by law during the planning application process. Mr. Reed believes this will streamline the planning process and reduce delays.
Supporters of the initiative, such as Sam Richards, chief executive of the pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, view the concept of a “default yes” for developments on underused sites near train stations as a sensible approach. Richards stated, “For years, the planning system has blocked new homes in exactly the places people most want to live. Building in well-connected areas means shorter commutes, stronger city and town centres, and more young people finally able to afford a home.”
Conversely, opposition figures have expressed concerns about the potential impacts of these changes. Shadow Housing Minister David Simmonds remarked, “It’s clear Britain needs more homes. But instead of trying to work with local communities to deliver homes people actually want, Labour are trying to railroad through unpopular developments.” He criticized the Labour Party, suggesting that as their target of 1.5 million homes risks becoming another broken promise, the government is resorting to top-down policies that undermine local input.
As the government prepares to implement these policy changes, the debate over housing development strategies and community involvement is likely to intensify, reflecting broader concerns regarding urban planning and local governance in the UK.
