Government plans fast-track homes near transport hubs
Thousands of homes could be built closer to train, tram and underground stations under new planning rules designed to accelerate housing delivery in well-connected areas.
The changes, announced by the government as part of an overhaul of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), would introduce a default presumption in favour of housing developments within reasonable walking distance of transport hubs and set minimum expectations for housing delivery in these locations.
The government said the reforms are intended to make better use of underdeveloped land around stations, support economic growth, attract investment and help people live closer to work, schools and transport links.
The proposals form part of what ministers described as the biggest rewrite of planning rules in more than a decade and come as the government seeks to meet its target of delivering one-and-a-half million homes.
Responding to the announcement, Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, welcomed the focus on improving access to public transport but urged caution over how developments are delivered.
He said: “People consistently prioritise well-developed local infrastructure when deciding where to live. However, all proposals must be carefully scrutinised to ensure individual developments form part of a coherent wider picture, rather than creating small, isolated communities that may not work in harmony with one another.”
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The government said the updated framework will also seek to reduce what it described as unnecessary duplication where national standards already exist, helping developments that meet requirements move more quickly from planning approval to construction.
