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Search the Public Notice PortalThousands more homes could be built near railway stations under major new planning changes, while pubs will be given extra protection from developers trying to turn them into flats or shops.
The Government has announced a sweeping planning shake-up which will make it easier to build homes close to well-connected railway stations in England.
Under the new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a “default yes” for housing developments within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations.
Ministers say the move will unlock thousands of new homes and help tackle the housing crisis by allowing people to live closer to work, schools and essential services.
Housing Secretary 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.”
Pubs given extra protection
The changes will also make it harder for developers to convert pubs into flats, shops or other uses.
Developers will have to show there is no reasonable prospect of keeping a pub afloat before they can seek permission to change its use.
The Government said pubs and music venues are the “lifeblood” of communities and should not be lost without good reason.
The changes come into force immediately.
Planning system to be streamlined
The Government is also removing the statutory requirement to consult some organisations on certain planning applications in a bid to cut bureaucracy.
Sport England will continue to advise on “significant” cases, while the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust will only be notified about relevant applications rather than acting as statutory consultees.
But the move has already sparked a furious backlash from the Gardens Trust.
Chairman John Watkins said it was “devastating news” and warned that removing its statutory consultee status could put parks at risk.
“This devalues these special places and makes them vulnerable to poorly informed development,” he said.
Labour under pressure over housing target
The reforms come as Labour faces growing pressure over its pledge to build 1.5 million homes in England during the five-year Parliament.
The latest figures show an estimated 392,400 net additional homes were delivered between Labour coming into office in July 2024 and June 14 this year.
Around 600,000 homes would have needed to be delivered during the first two years to remain on track for the five-year target.
Ministers are hoping the planning reforms will accelerate construction over the coming years.
Chancellor John Healey said: “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.”
But the Conservatives accused Labour of “failing abysmally” to meet its housing pledge.
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Shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly said the Government was attempting a “power grab” that would take decisions away from local communities.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice also attacked the plans, claiming they would “strip power from the people who live there” and hand more control to Whitehall.
The planning changes are part of the Government's wider push to increase housebuilding, with ministers betting that making it easier to secure planning permission will finally get construction moving at the pace needed to meet its ambitious target.
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