The Government has announced forthcoming changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that will introduce a presumption in favour of new homes located near “well-connected” train stations, even on green belt land, provided proposals comply with yet to be defined criteria.

This headline grabbing ‘Default Yes’ policy aims to accelerate housing delivery around key transport hubs. It appeared in a joint statement from Housing Secretary Steve Reed, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and chancellor Rachel Reeves with other measures outlined including minimum density requirements to ensure efficient land use in these highly accessible areas with the aim of maximising opportunities for sustainable growth in housing, employment, and local business activity.

The Government says these planning reforms are intended to provide “greater certainty and strength for development around well-connected rail stations,” including tram stops. An updated, “pro-growth and rules-based” NPPF will be subject to public consultation later this year.

The second part of the statement also confirmed new oversight measures that would require local authorities in England to notify the government when they plan to reject housing schemes of more than 150 homes. The Housing Secretary would then decide whether to intervene and take over the decision. Particular scrutiny will be applied when planning committees propose to overturn the recommendations of planning officers. Additionally, applications called in by ministers will be fast-tracked through the removal of mandatory inquiry requirements.

Desperate times call for desperate measures for the Government when it comes to trying to get even remotely close to hitting the 1.5 million new homes target this parliament. Getting planning applications approved at the level required, against the will of local councils and communities, continues to be a challenge that no end of reforms to the system can overcome. Taking these decisions away from locally elected officials is controversial and may ultimately be seen as a step too far.