Housebuilding near well-connected train stations will receive a default “yes” in future if they meet certain rules, ensuring more homes are built.  This marks a major shift in national planning policy and importantly, these rules will also extend to land within the Green Belt, signalling a more flexible approach to sites with strong public transport accessibility. The reforms also introduce a significant new intervention mechanism. Councils will be required to inform governme

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced by the UK government, aims to expedite the delivery of housing and critical infrastructure projects. Key provisions include: Accelerated Infrastructure Projects : The Bill seeks to fast-track decisions on over 150 major infrastructure projects, encompassing roads, railways, and renewable energy installations. This initiative supports the government's Clean Power 2030 target by ensuring swift development of essential clean ener

The Court of Appeal's ruling in Mead Realisations Ltd v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government  [2025] EWCA Civ 32 has significant implications for planning professionals. The court determined that the National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) holds the same legal status as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This means that planners must give equal consideration to both documents when making decisions. The case involved a proposed develop

The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has concluded that the government’s "grey belt" policy is largely redundant following revisions in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) published in December 2024. Initially, the grey belt concept aimed to release areas of Green Belt land that did not fully meet the five Green Belt purposes, offering potential for housing development. However, the final NPPF introduced significant changes that have overshadowed the grey

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a raft of planning and infrastructure measures aimed at unlocking the full potential of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, a move expected to add up to £78 billion to the UK economy by 2035. Key highlights include the Environment Agency lifting objections to a major development in Cambridge, enabling the delivery of 4,500 new homes, alongside schools, leisure facilities, and commercial spaces. This signals a more proactive approach to

The UK government has unveiled sweeping reforms to the planning system to bolster economic growth and deliver on its ambitious Plan for Change. Announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 26 January 2025, the measures aim to address housing shortages, streamline infrastructure development, and unlock underutilised land near commuter hubs. Key aspects of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill include slashing red tape, expediting approvals for critical projects, and simplifying env

The latest government statistics on housing supply in England reveal a mixed outlook for the sector. Between July and September 2024, housing completions showed a 14% increase compared to the previous quarter, reaching 43,026. However, year-on-year completions remain lower than historical highs, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the construction industry. Private enterprise remains the largest contributor to new housing supply, accounting for over 75% of all completi

From 1st April 2025, planning application fees in England will see a dramatic rise under new regulations aimed at addressing the £362 million funding shortfall faced by local authority planning departments. This increase, detailed in the draft Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications, Deemed Applications, Requests and Site Visits) (England) (Amendment and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2025, doubles many fees to reflect the actual costs of processing applications

Today’s planning application statistics highlight a pressing concern: only 20% of major applications were decided within statutory timelines over the past six months. Despite this, performance agreements have emerged as a powerful tool, with 92% of applications accompanied by these agreements decided on time. Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) are collaborative frameworks between applicants and planning authorities that set clear timelines and expectations for decision-ma

A new report from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has highlighted pressing challenges in local authority planning departments across England. The Local Authority Planning Capacity and Skills Survey, the first of its kind, underscores widespread issues with recruitment, retention, and skills gaps that are hampering service delivery and preparedness for reforms. The survey, conducted by Verian and involving 327 local authorities and National P