The UK government has announced a comprehensive planning system reform aimed at delivering 1.5 million new homes within the current Parliament. Key measures include mandatory housing targets for local councils, emphasising high-growth potential areas with acute housing affordability issues. Annual targets are set at 370,000 homes, with councils required to update or create local plans within 12 weeks or face government intervention.
The reforms introduce a redefined approach to land use, prioritising brownfield sites while allowing lower-quality "grey belt" land development under strict conditions, such as mandatory infrastructure and social housing provisions. Councils and developers must prioritise genuinely affordable homes, including social rent housing.
To support implementation, the government is allocating £100 million to enhance planning capacities by hiring staff and conducting technical assessments. Additional measures include the New Homes Accelerator, investments in brownfield development, and extending financial guarantees for SME housebuilders.
The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) includes provisions to improve housing design, strengthen local accountability, and support urban regeneration. A significant shift involves incentivising timely planning approvals and ensuring local plans align with national targets. These efforts are part of the broader "Plan for Change" agenda, addressing the UK’s chronic housing shortage, high homelessness rates, and barriers to homeownership, aiming to deliver economic growth and social equity.
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