Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Next phase of planning reform

18 November 2025 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Proposed by Steve Reed Lab Co-op Streatham and Croydon North

EconomyHousing

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The government will introduce a 'default yes' policy for suitable planning applications near train stations within walking distance.
  • Local authorities will be required to notify when they intend to refuse an application for 150 homes or more.
  • Certain organisations will be removed from consultation requirements to streamline statutory consultees.

Issue summary

The minister is addressing the next phase of planning reform to accelerate house building and support economic growth.

Action requested

Over the coming weeks, the government will introduce three pro-growth planning reforms: a 'default yes' policy for suitable planning applications near train stations within walking distance; requiring local authorities to notify when they intend to refuse an application for 150 homes or more; and streamlining statutory consultees by removing certain organisations from consultation requirements.

Key facts

  • The government aims to build 1.5 million homes in England during this Parliament.
  • A revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will be consulted on by the end of the year, including a 'default yes' policy for development near rail stations.
  • Local authorities must notify the minister if they intend to refuse an application for 150 or more homes.
  • The government is consulting on removing Sport England, The Gardens Trust, and Theatres Trust as statutory consultees in planning applications.
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