The government has introduced new planning rules that could unlock thousands of new homes around England’s train, tram and underground stations.
The changes will fast-track the delivery of homes in well-connected areas, aiming to make better use of underdeveloped land around stations while also creating jobs, unlocking investment, driving growth and connecting communities.
The government says that the new rules will build on its priorities to ensure that planning decisions give proper consideration to the proximity of public transport links.
Under the new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a default ‘yes’ for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for how much housing should be built in these areas.
Secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Angela Rayner, said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.”
“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities.”
“That’s how we’ll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country.”
Chancellor of the exchequer, John Healey MP, said: “Making it easier for people to buy their own home is about more than a house. It is about security and families feeling they have a place they can truly call their own.”
“We want to drive growth in every postcode and help more working people into home ownership. A secure home is the heart of all our lives, helping people put down roots, plan for the future and build a good life for themselves and their families. This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and stronger communities across the country.”
Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Earlier this year, we published Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport. The steps announced today act on a key commitment we made as part of that Strategy, to support densification of development around well-connected stations to create vibrant, sustainable and well-connected homes and places.”
“The changes being announced today turn long-held ambitions into reality for our communities. Densification, combined with high-quality walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, will support healthier lifestyles, improve access to jobs and services, and protect important public transport services.”
The government says that the changes will also make it easier for councils to approve developments that create jobs, unlock investment, and deliver the shops, leisure facilities, clean energy and food production local areas need.
Further plans also include cutting unnecessary bureaucracy by reducing blanket consultation requirements that have slowed planning decisions.
As a result, councils will no longer need sign-off from public bodies where specialist advice is not needed, while expert input will be focused on the cases where it adds most value. Sport England will continue to advise on significant cases, and the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust will still be notified of relevant applications so they can play a role in the planning process.
Together, the government says that the reforms are part of the government’s wider overhaul of the planning system, with the aim of tackling the housing crisis, unlocking investment and driving growth in every postcode.
