Angela Rayner shakes up planning rules: What does it mean for London?

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has announced a major shake up of Britain’s planning rules in a bid to boost building.

Thousands more homes could be built near Tube and train stations, including on green belt sites, under a loosening of regulations .

Councils will have to “default yes” approach to housing developments that are within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected transport hubs.

Ms Rayner said the guidance, which will be confirmed as part of the new national planning policy framework (NPPF) this week, would help address “too many people being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work”.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has outlined a shake-up of the planning system PA Archive Stations London has a high concentration of busy Tube, tram and National Rail stations, and the shake-up could mean more flats and taller developments being approved near them.

Councils should adopt a “default yes” position around proposed developments within 10 minutes of a transport hubs under the guidance.

In the past, boroughs have rejected high density schemes around busy stations over local complaints and amenity fears.

For example, in December last year Barnet town hall rejected plans for 283 flats on the car park at High Barnet Underground Station.

Councillor objections included excessive height and harm to the local character and heritage.

Five tower blocks providing 283 flats are proposed beside High Barnet Tube station Places for London The scheme was subsequently called in by Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan and City Hall overrode the council decision and approved the new homes.

Under the new rules, a similar proposal submitted today would be in a stronger position for approval at the local council planning committee stage and would be less likely to be delayed.

Councils fear planning overhaul to boost housebuilding will weaken local voices

Ms Rayner said: “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.”