Planning overhaul targets house building and infrastructure
The Government has committed to make it easier to build infrastructure, and given all councils in England mandatory housing targets aimed at securing 1.5m more homes, in an overhaul of the planning system.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said there should be default approval for building on brownfield land and at greater densities in urban areas. Councils should also prioritise ‘grey belt’ land on the edge of existing settlements or roads within the ‘green belt’; homebuilders can bring forward proposals for developments on grey belt land if council plans are out of date or will not meet local housing targets.
Land released in the green belt must deliver 50% affordable homes, increase access to green spaces and put infrastructure such as schools and GP surgeries in place. The ministry said in all cases, land that is safeguarded for environmental reasons will continue to be protected.
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner said she would not hesitate to use her powers of intervention if necessary, including to take over a local authority plan directly.
National Planning Policy Framework revisions will be published by the end of the year. These changes will be followed by further reforms in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. The government confirmed its intention to introduce a universal system of strategic planning across England in this Parliament and to further reform the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime.
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