The government has revealed plans to introduce planning reforms to unlock “untapped land” near commuter transport hubs on which new homes could be built.
In a major new growth push, the government will ensure that when developers submit an application for acceptable types of schemes in key areas – such as in high potential locations near commuter transport hubs – that the default answer to development is “yes”.
As part of these measures, the government said it will streamline decisions on critical infrastructure projects by slashing red tape in the planning system which is delaying the delivery of projects.
The statutory consultee system, which requires developers to consult local communities and expert bodies when making planning decisions, will be reformed and the government is also reforming environmental impact assessments.
They will be replaced by Environmental Outcome Reports which will be simpler and much clearer, and will support growth by saving developers time and money, while still protecting the environment. The government will publish a roadmap for the delivery of these new Environment Outcomes Reports in the coming months.
The government intends to use a regeneration project in Old Trafford, Manchester, which will see new housing, commercial and public space delivered, as a “shining example of the bold pro-development model that will drive growth across the region, with authorities exploring setting up a mayoral development corporation body to redevelop the area”.
The government is also working with interested parties in Greater Manchester to release land around transport hubs through local development orders, with the potential for the use of existing powers to kickstart building on these sites to be used as a blueprint for the rest of the country.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “I am fighting every single day in our mission to kick-start the economy, deliver on our Plan for Change, and make working people better off. That includes avenues that others have shied away from.
“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. These are our next steps and I can say for certain, there is more to come.”
Deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, Angela Rayner, added: “From day one I have been clear that bold action is needed to remove the blockers who put a chokehold on growth. 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.
“This year we will go even further to make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions and fix the housing crisis we inherited for good – getting more shovels in the ground to build the homes and vital infrastructure that our communities so desperately need.”
Jennie Daly, CEO of Taylor Wimpey, said: “We continue to be impressed by the speed with which the government has gripped the need for planning reform to deliver much needed new housing supply. New high-quality housing and the infrastructure it brings are essential drivers of economic growth.
“We welcome the commitment from the government to introduce the Planning and Infrastructure Bill as a priority in the spring, and we look forward to supporting the promised consultation work on reforming the planning system to expedite decisions and overcome local barriers to growth.”
Mark Reynolds, Mace group executive chairman and co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, added: “When the government and the construction sector work in partnership we can unlock growth of up to 2% of GDP. The simplification and streamlining of the planning system is a significant contributor to this so the announcements today are a welcome development which could deliver £2bn per year in savings once fully implemented.
“In addition the upcoming publication of the 10-year National Infrastructure Strategy is an opportunity to set out plans for ambitious growth and chart a direction for the industry, instilling confidence in businesses to invest in skills, innovation and deliver profitable growth, we look forward to contributing to its success.
Neil Jefferson, CEO of the Home Builders Federations, said: “Identifying more land for development and removing the treacle from the planning process that delays applications is essential if we are to increase housing supply. The swift moves to address these blocks in the planning system are very welcome and will pay dividends if the other constraints on housing supply can be tackled. Housing delivery is dependent upon a range of factors, of which planning is a major one, and these changes underline the government’s commitment to increasing supply.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, added: “With our devolved powers we’re mobilising the whole Greater Manchester system to lock in growth for the next decade and reap the rewards for our city-region and UK plc.
“The project around Old Trafford represents the biggest opportunity for urban regeneration this country has seen since London 2012 and is a key part of our 10-year plan to turbocharge growth across Greater Manchester. We look forward working with the government on moving freight away from the site around Old Trafford to new locations to open up capacity our rail network, and unlock massive regeneration potential – delivering benefits across the whole of the North.”
Mike Hood, CEO of Landsec U+I, said: “This is another welcome step from the government to de-clutter the planning system and unlock growth. As major investors in the Greater Manchester region it’s positive to see this government backing the region and providing the tools it needs to realise its potential. We hope to see further interventions like this to unlock growth in more cities across the country.”
