The government has announced changes to the planning system whereby all councils in England will be given new, compulsory housing targets to deliver 1.5 million more homes.
The new targets, which will flow into the development of local plans, will mean councils must boost housebuilding in areas most in need.
The Deputy Prime Minister has written to every council Leader and Chief Executive in England to make clear that there is “not just a professional responsibility but a moral obligation to see more homes built”, and that the government will step in where required to drive progress, ensuring local areas get a say on how, but not if, homes are built.
The new reforms state that the primary focus for development will be on brownfield land, encouraging higher-density homebuilding in urban centres such as towns and cities.
Councils will also need to review their green belt land if necessary to meet new targets. They will prioritise ‘grey belt’ land, which the government has defined as areas on the edge of existing settlements or roads, including old petrol stations and car parks.
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:
“Today marks a significant step to getting Britain building again.
“Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them.
“Our new flexibilities for councils will boost the number of social and affordable homes, and give working families a better route to a secure home.”
