The Government is pushing for faster planning reforms aimed at increasing economic growth and delivering on its commitment to build 1.5 million homes over five years.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to build more houses near commuter train stations, which she believes will help working people.
Under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the Government will reduce red tape that delays infrastructure projects.
In the past six months, 13 planning decisions have been made, with nine significant projects approved, including developments in airports, data centres, and housing.
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.
Reeves added: “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 Angela Rayner said: “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.
Rayner added: “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.”
Reaction:
Jennie Daly, CEO of Taylor Wimpey:
“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.”
Simon Brown, CEO of Landmark Information Group:
“The continued work by the Government to streamline planning decisions is pivotal for unlocking the economic potential of the UK.
“The presentation of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill in the Spring will be a welcome step by the Government to reach its ambitious targets and build toward economic growth.
“However, systemic barriers – such as fragmented processes, overburdened professionals, and limited information-sharing – still impede progress.
“By leveraging data more effectively, we can identify demand hotspots, streamline development, and ensure homes are built in the right locations, supported by the necessary infrastructure to foster thriving communities.
“Landmark Information Group looks forward to collaborating with policymakers and industry leaders to address these challenges.”
Mark Reynolds, executive chairman at Mace Group:
“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 Home Builders Federations:
“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:
“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.”
