Ministers to Gain Powers to Override Councils on Housebuilding
Ministers will be given the power to stop local councils from rejecting planning applications for new homes, aiming to remove barriers to development.
As part of a "pro-growth" package supporting the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, ministers can issue 'holding directions' to halt council refusals of planning permission while considering 'call-in' powers to decide on housing development approvals.
- Currently, ministers can only issue holds when councils are set to approve applications.
- Natural England will also streamline its role, deciding when to give local authorities advice, focusing on "higher-priority" applications and nature recovery.
The government said some councils were "dragging their feet" and had blocked nearly 900 major housing schemes in the last year alone.
The government expects this to speed up approvals for new homes and infrastructure.
Author's summary: Ministers to override councils on housebuilding decisions.