Loosening of planning rules in England to allow more new homes near stations
Angela Rayner to launch guidance for ‘default yes’ on developments near transport hubs, including on green belt sitesThousands more homes could be built within 10 minutes of transp
By The Guardian
Angela Rayner is set to announce changes to planning guidance in England that would give councils a “default yes” approach to some housing schemes near well-connected train and tram stations. The move is expected to make it easier to build thousands more homes within a reasonable walking distance of transport hubs, including on some green belt land.
The changes are due to be confirmed as part of the new national planning policy framework this week, according to the report. It says developments on green belt sites would still have to meet the government’s “golden rules”, including higher levels of affordable housing, new or improved green space and the right infrastructure.
The same update would also give pubs stronger protection from being converted into homes or offices. Developers would have to prove there is no reasonable prospect of keeping a pub as a going concern, including evidence that it has been marketed for sale for at least a year.
The report also says bigger developments would face a requirement for at least 40% of homes to be accessible, with stronger protections for community facilities and support for growth and infrastructure, including AI growth zones and data centres. The changes are due to be set out by the housing secretary on Monday.