On the 12th of December 2024, deputy prime Minister Angela Rayner announced the introduction of long-anticipated planning reforms, aimed at accelerating approval for a significant number of projects.
These reforms place a strong emphasis on housebuilding, forming a key part of the government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes. Councils are now awaiting their assigned targets, having been informed of their vital role in achieving the nationwide goal of 370,000 homes annually.
These targets will be mandatory, determined by available land and existing housing stock.
The new planning rules in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) also include:
*Areas with the highest levels of housing unaffordability and the greatest potential for growth will face increased housing targets. Councils will also be expected to create, update, and maintain local plans tailored to the needs of their communities.
*A “common-sense” approach will guide greenbelt developments. While brownfield sites will remain a priority, greenbelt boundaries will be reviewed, and greybelt land will also receive increased focus.
*New “golden rules” will impose strict requirements for greenbelt developments, ensuring that developers provide necessary infrastructure for local communities, such as GP surgeries, public transport, nurseries, and social and affordable housing.
*Additionally, councils and developers must place greater emphasis on social rent in their housebuilding plans. Local leaders will be empowered to deliver affordable homes, prioritising the needs of those in their communities.
Currently, fewer than one-third of councils have adopted a local plan within the last five years, and the number of homes granted planning permission has fallen to its lowest level in a decade.
The new planning reforms will require councils to establish timetables for updated local plans within 12 weeks of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), with ministerial intervention as a potential penalty for non-compliance.
Local authorities will also have three months to advance local plans already in development. Additionally, councils operating under outdated targets will face a new requirement to ensure six years’ worth of housing is in the pipeline, up from the previous five-year benchmark.
If you would like to discuss land with development potential contact Lewis on 01787 888699, [email protected]
