Government unveils bold housing reforms to stimulate economic growth
Reeves and Rayner promise approval for high-potential housing projects, including those near train stations
Following the UK government’s planning reforms to deliver 1.5 million new homes, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled initiatives to make building housing around train stations and other transport hubs easier. These comprehensive reforms are set to accelerate development and unlock land near commuter transport hubs, supporting the government’s Plan for Change to benefit working people and address housing needs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing Angela Rayner emphasised the importance of these changes, stating, “That’s why we are putting growth at the heart of our planning system. Growth means higher wages, better living standards, families raising their children in safer homes, and the next generation taking their first steps onto the housing ladder.”
Streamlined approval for high-potential housing projects
In a move to encourage development, the government has promised that proposals for housing in high-potential areas, like those near transport hubs, will receive a default approval. This initiative aims to boost housing availability at higher densities in key community areas, aligning with the government’s primary goal of driving economic growth.
Simplifying the planning process to drive development
These reforms also focus on cutting delays in critical infrastructure projects. Reeves emphasised, “Too often the answer to new development has been ‘no’. But that is the attitude that has stunted economic growth and left working people worse off. We need to do things differently and that journey began as soon as I started at the Treasury in July.”
The government is collaborating with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to release land around transport hubs such as Castleton Station in Rochdale. Additionally, regeneration plans for Old Trafford include the creation of a 100,000-seat stadium for Manchester United, alongside new housing and commercial spaces.
Environmental solutions to support sustainable growth
To balance housing growth with environmental goals, the government has proposed the creation of a Natural Restoration Fund. This will replace the current requirement for individual environmental mitigation, speeding up planning approvals while promoting broader ecological recovery.
Delivering the plan for change
These planning reforms are part of the broader Plan for Change, which sets out to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next five years and make decisions on 150 major infrastructure projects by the end of this Parliament. Following the National Planning Policy Framework reforms introduced in December, these latest measures signal a continued commitment to promoting development, revitalising communities, and boosting the national economy.
