Reed to announce planning rule changes for areas near ‘well-connected’ train stations

• Housing Secretary Steve Reed is set to announce new planning rules aimed at accelerating housebuilding across the UK.
• New housing developments within a 15-minute walk of well-connected train and tram stations, including in designated green belt areas, will receive a “default yes” from planners.
• The changes are designed to help the government achieve its commitment to build 1.5 million homes by the next election.
• Ministers will gain stronger powers to intervene if local councils intend to reject applications for large housing developments of over 150 homes.
• Other proposals include removing certain organisations from the list of bodies that must be consulted on planning applications to streamline the process and reduce delays.

IN FULL

The areas where housing developments will get a ‘default yes’ if based nearby