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Britain's government announced earlier this week that planning applications for new homes located close to railway stations would receive an automatic go-ahead, provided they comply with defined criteria. The measure forms part of the Labour government's push to accelerate homebuilding and address persistent planning barriers. Although the administration has set a target of constructing 1.5 million homes before the next general election in 2029, official forecasts issued earlier this year indicated it was likely to fall short. The proposal also introduces stricter oversight on council rejections of large housing schemes.
Britain clarified earlier this week that planning applications for residential projects situated near railway stations would receive a default approval wherever they meet prescribed rules, marking a fresh attempt to streamline planning procedures and stimulate housebuilding by reducing bureaucratic delays. Advertisement
The Labour government has maintained its aim of delivering 1.5 million homes ahead of the 2029 election, although projections from the Office for Budget Responsibility issued earlier this year suggested that the target might not be achieved. The renewed push follows ongoing political commitments to rectify what ministers have consistently described as a broken planning regime that restricts growth and slows delivery.
Under the measures outlined earlier this week, local councils will be required to inform the housing minister whenever they plan to reject a housing proposal involving 150 units or more. The final decision on whether such projects proceed will ultimately rest with the minister, providing central government with more direct control over major developments.
Housing minister Steve Reed stated in an official communication that the government intended to make the process of delivering well-connected, high-quality homes more efficient, and that ministers would intervene where councils were perceived to be delaying progress. The administration said builders would be encouraged to pursue sites around key transport hubs because of their wider economic benefits, including employment generation and strengthened local growth.
Notably, the automatic-approval rule for sites near stations will also apply to certain areas within the Green Belt, despite its traditional role in preventing unchecked urban expansion. The proposals will be incorporated into a revised National Planning Policy Framework, which the government confirmed would be released for public consultation later this year.
Source - Reuters
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