Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has unveiled new planning rules designed to unlock thousands of homes around well-connected train, tram and Underground stations across England.
The Labour Government announced the changes on Monday as part of an overhaul of national planning policy aimed at tackling the housing crisis and making it easier for people to live close to jobs, schools and public transport.
Under the new approach, suitable housing developments within walking distance of well-connected stations will benefit from a “default yes” in the planning system. The reforms will also introduce minimum expectations for the density of development around transport hubs.
Writing on X following the announcement, Rayner said a secure home should be at the heart of the opportunities available to families.
“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,” she said.
“By unlocking homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re tackling the housing crisis – helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on.”
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the changes would support the construction of thousands of new homes across England around train, tram and Underground stations.
The policy is intended to make better use of land in locations already served by public transport, while supporting local businesses and economic growth by allowing more people to live near town and city centres.
The reforms form part of the Government’s wider efforts to increase housing supply and work towards its ambition of delivering 1.5 million homes during this Parliament.
The updated planning framework also contains stronger protections for pubs and other valued community assets, alongside measures intended to reduce unnecessary delays in the planning process.
Announcing the reforms, the Government said building homes around transport hubs would help create better-connected communities while allowing more families to find homes closer to the places where they work and use essential services.
The announcement represents another significant intervention by the Labour Government as it seeks to reform England’s planning system, accelerate housebuilding and address the shortage of affordable homes.
