New planning changes announced today will expedite the delivery of thousands more homes nationwide.
Councils to be able to buy cheaper land to deliver more homes and drive economic growth.
Removal of ‘hope value’ to help councils meet housing targets
Supporting the government’s Plan for Change to deliver 1.5 million homes and overhaul the planning system.
Thousands more homes will be delivered quicker due to new planning changes announced today, boosting investment in town centres and local economic growth.
Under the Government's proposals, local councils can buy cheaper land with Compulsory Purchase Orders to build homes and infrastructure, aiming to construct 1.5 million new homes nationwide. The changes allow councils and public bodies to acquire vacant land at fair prices, bypassing inflated 'hope value' costs, facilitating housebuilding and the development of social and affordable housing.
Matthew Pennycook, Housing and Planning Minister, said:
“We committed to compulsory purchase reform to deliver housing, infrastructure, and transport benefits. Today's consultation proposes reforms to make the process faster and more efficient.” The consultation on CPO changes will gather input from builders, councils, and others over eight weeks to inform the upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
This follows last week's planning system overhaul announcement, introducing mandatory housing targets and additional funding for councils.
The government has also:
Reformed the planning system via the NPPF
Launched a New Homes Accelerator
Proposed 'brownfield passports' for streamlined planning permission
Established a New Towns Taskforce for large-scale communities
Awarded £68 million to unlock housing on brownfield sites
Provided £47 million to overcome housing barriers
Extended the Home Building Fund to support SME housebuilders, delivering 12,000 additional homes
This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 13 February 2025
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