PM announces new ‘planning passports’ to turbocharge urban housebuilding

The Prime Minister has today (Sunday 22 September) announced new ‘planning passports' to turbocharge housebuilding in urban areas after 14 years of stagnation and blockage. The proposals, set out in a call for evidence, aim to accelerate urban densification by setting high standards for design and quality, which, if met, will mean then the default answer will be yes.

The announcement follows a wave of rapid change already begun by this government. In just 8 weeks, the government has brought forward it's landmark Renters Rights Bill, levelling the playing field between tenants and landlords, and has launched its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation to kickstart the planning overhaul that will deliver on Labour's manifesto commitment to build 1.5m new homes.

In a striking shift in approach from the last 14 years of stagnation and blockage, Keir Starmer has said only Labour is the party of aspiration and homeownership. Speaking ahead of his Conference speech in Liverpool, the Prime Minister challenged the Conservative Party leadership challengers to back his proposals if they want to be on the side of the builders not the blockers.

The plans, which signal the government's intent not to shy away from tough decisions, like reinstating binding local targets and building on the “Grey Belt”, show the government's laser-focused commitment to a brownfield-first approach to development, and mean approval of urban sites, such as car parks, will be fast-tracked to unlock much-needed growth. As signalled in the National Planning Policy Framework consultation – which will close on the same day the Prime Minister addresses Conference – these ‘planning passports' will mean that where development proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer will be yes, not no.

Labour is clear that our cities need to grow out by releasing “Grey Belt” land, but they also need to densify in their existing boundaries – brownfield first, grey belt second. Only by building denser cities can we drive growth and prosperity across the country, because denser cities mean people are closer to work, have better transport infrastructure, and business has the widest talent pool. This sort of gentle density, with multi-storey townhouses built in a style that is loved by local residents, already exists in pockets of UK cities, like Kensington and Chelsea in London, Manchester's Northern Quarter or Edinburgh New Town, and is commonplace across European cities.

This work cannot be delivered effectively by central government alone. That's why this Labour government will continue to work hand in glove with Mayors, local government leaders and developers to deliver the homes people need, a partnership based on collective responsibility and mutual accountability to deliver the change working people voted for.

These changes form the latest plank in the government's rapid work on delivering 1.5m homes this Parliament, and sit alongside changes to the NPPF consultation. As a next step, a call for evidence will be launched on options to further increase certainty in relation to brownfield development. These will include bold proposals that provide far greater clarity as to the principle, scale, and form of brownfield development with a view to lowering the risk, cost and uncertainty associated with securing planning permissions. The options will then be discussed with key stakeholders, ahead of any new policies implemented.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, said:

“The dream of homeownership has been out of reach for so many hard working people for far too long. Housebuilding has stalled and planning changes blocked. The country has been held back.

“My Labour government is turning that on its head, giving more people the security they need to build the future they deserve. From wholesale changes on planning to the NPPF, to levelling the landlord-renters playing field with our Renters Rights Bill, we are building on the work done in opposition and doing what we promised – rolling up our sleeves and delivering change for working people.

“That work continues at pace. Working alongside our Mayors and local leaders, the new planning passports will put rocket boosters under housebuilding. They mean that where development proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer will be yes, not no. Because I mean what I said before the election: Labour are the Party of aspiration, security and growth. We don't shy away from tough decisions. We are the builders, not the blockers.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

A call for evidence will be launched on options to further increase certainty in relation to brownfield development. These will include bold proposals that provide far greater clarity as to the principle, scale, and form of brownfield development with a view to lowering the risk, cost and uncertainty associated with securing planning permissions. 

The options will then be discussed with key stakeholders, before specific proposals are consulted on, and any new policies implemented.

The consultation closes on 24 September.

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Reaction from external organisations and individuals

Mark Allan, Chief Executive, Landsec

“The announcement of ‘brownfield passports' is a positive step. Combined with the Government's wider reforms to planning policy, they create a significant opportunity to maximise the delivery of new homes and boost economic growth.  

“Through our own research, we know urban communities see brownfield land as wasted potential, and are ready to embrace the opportunities it presents. It's welcome that the Government also recognises the challenges associated with brownfield sites, and is providing both us and our partners in local government with tools to accelerate the homes, growth and jobs people want to see.”

Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive, Partnerships and Regeneration, Vistry Group

“This initiative offers a precise, targeted solution to one of the underlying causes of the housing crisis. If we as an industry help Government get this initiative right, it has the potential to stimulate the redevelopment of underutilised land across the UK and increase the pace at which we can deliver new homes.  

“As a huge number of brownfield sites are ideally suited for the development of new mixed-tenure homes, this initiative provides the added benefit of enabling us to build more of the types of homes the UK really needs. We look forward to working with the Government on the detail of these proposals.”

David Thomas, Chief Executive, Barratt Developments

“We welcome these proposals to support and accelerate the regeneration of urban areas and the construction of much-need new housing on brownfield land. Repurposing derelict or disused sites and building high quality, energy efficient new homes in areas with good connectivity can be a key part of tackling the country's housing crisis and growing our economy.”

Simon Carter, Chief Executive, British Land

“If the government is to meet its 1.5 million homes mission and drive economic growth, it will be essential that it delivers more growth, homes and jobs in our towns and cities. We published research on Friday which showed overwhelming support from urban communities for development on brownfield land which delivers local benefits so we strongly support initiatives such as this one which aim to reduce the risk, cost and uncertainty of securing planning permissions and increase the pace of delivery.”

Melanie Leech CBE, Chief Executive, British Property Federation

“This is an important consultation exercise. Brownfield development is complex and the ‘passports' concept represents a huge opportunity to support the Government's ambitions for more housing and growth, whilst at the same time breathing new life into our towns and cities. Making use of existing land and infrastructure also makes perfect sense in a world where sustainability is vital.

SOCIAL HOUSING ALLOCATIONS:

James Needham, CEO, Help For Heroes, said: "We are pleased that the UK Government has recognised, and acted on, the need for the UK's veteran population to have more flexible access to secure social housing.

"We know that many of the UK's veterans struggle to make the transition back to civilian life after their service is over. Increased levels of homelessness is just one of the ways in which these struggles manifest; particularly among those who join and leave at a young age.

"While this is a positive step, we must all be mindful that homelessness is rarely an issue that occurs in isolation, and we look forward to continuing to work with the UK Government to understand, and implement, the changes required to help all veterans and their families live well after service.”

Royal British Legion said:

“The Royal British Legion welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement to remove the local connection test for veterans who are applying to access social housing. Mobility is a requirement of military service with postings around the country and overseas, and the local connection test can therefore disadvantage ex-service personnel facing long waits for social housing due to a lack of stock. We hope this change will provide greater opportunities for our Armed Forces personnel to secure social housing throughout the country, and ensure veterans have the best chance to establish themselves within a community at the end of their service.

“Local authorities already have a duty to observe the principles of the Armed Forces Covenant when exercising specific functions, including in the policy area of housing, but there remains some variation in the way this is applied. We trust this announcement will help local authorities to better meet the promise of the Covenant.”