New homes near train stations to be fast-tracked

Propertymark has backed Government plans to fast-track approvals for new homes near public transport, but warned it mustn’t create “isolated communities.”

Thousands of new homes will be built around public transport, train, tram and underground stations in England as part of new planning reforms.

Under the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a default ‘yes’ for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for how much housing should be built in these areas.

Priced out

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.

“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities.

“That’s how we’ll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country.”

Proposals must be carefully scrutinised to ensure individual developments form part of a coherent wider picture.”

Chancellor John Healey adds: “Making it easier for people to buy their own home is about more than a house. It is about security and families feeling they have a place they can truly call their own.

“We want to drive growth in every postcode and help more working people into home ownership. A secure home is the heart of all our lives, helping people put down roots, plan for the future and build a good life for themselves and their families. This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and stronger communities across the country.”

Coherent planning picture

But commenting on the reforms, Nathan Emerson (pictured), Chief Executive of Propertymark, says: “It’s positive news that the UK Government’s National Planning Policy Framework will include provision to improve communities’ access to public transport.

“People consistently prioritise well-developed local infrastructure when deciding where to live. However, all proposals must be carefully scrutinised to ensure individual developments form part of a coherent wider picture, rather than creating small, isolated communities that may not work in harmony with one another.”