The Chancellor has revealed plans for more houses to be built near train stations around the UK, among other infrastructure reforms, “to kick start economic growth”.
Rachel Reeves also confirmed that the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill will be published in the spring and will “take an axe to red tape” that slows down the approval of major projects.
The move is part of the government’s drive to build 1.5 million new homes over five years and green light 150 decisions on major infrastructure projects by the end of the parliament.
As part of this, Reeves indicated her support for building a third runway at Heathrow Airport at the weekend.
On housing, the government said its “next steps on planning reform” include streamlining national policies for decision-making to guide planning decisions taken by local authorities and promote housebuilding in key areas.
Reeves yesterday backed a regeneration project around Old Trafford in Manchester that would build new housing and improve commercial and public spaces.
It is also working with Greater Manchester to release growth-generating land around transport hubs through local development orders, such as around Castleton Station.
The moves come ahead of a major speech by the Chancellor, expected on Wednesday, where she will outline the government’s next moves on planning.
Reeves has yet to put a figure on how many homes will be built around transport hubs around the country.
The government adds: “Last year homebuilding fell below 200,000 and permissions reached their lowest for over a decade, which is why the government is taking radical action necessary to reverse this trend.”
Reeves says: “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.”
Taylor Wimpey chief executive Jennie Daly adds: “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.”
