Housebuilding around train stations

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 government when they intend to refuse applications of 150 homes or more, enabling ministers to step in and make the decision instead. 

Alongside this, the Government will bring forward planning reforms to give greater certainty and strength for development around rail and tram stations through a new pro-growth, rules-based National Planning Policy Framework, which will be consulted on later this year.

For more detail, you can read the full press release here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/housebuilding-around-train-stations-will-be-given-default-yes

Maddox Planning advised on Twickenham Station, Richmond