New homes earmarked near train stations to get 'default yes' from planners

The government has announced plans to make it almost impossible for new housing developments near train stations to be opposed.

Changes to planning rules being announced by the government today will make it easier to build on sites within 15 minutes' walk of "well-connected" stations, including on green belt land.

It will amount to developments near stations getting a "default yes".

Housing Secretary Steve Reed told Sky News' Mornings With Ridge And Frost he will also get "stronger powers" to deal with councils that "drag their feet" on approving new homes.

"I promised we'd get Britain building and that's exactly what we are doing," he said ahead of the announcements.

"But it has to be the right homes in the right places and nearby transport links are a vital part of that."

Under Mr Reed's proposals, councils that intend to refuse planning permission to developments with more than 150 homes will have to inform the government, giving ministers the final say.

Some organisations that are legally required to be consulted on planning applications could also be removed from the list, including Sport England and The Gardens Trust.

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The changes involve amending the National Planning Policy Framework.

Mr Reed told Ridge: "You've got stations around our great cities and towns where job opportunities [are] available. You've got stations where you can build housing. The public transport is already in place, and you can develop communities there.

"We want councils who are the decision makers here to support developers, get those homes built, build the new communities and give people somewhere they can afford to live."

The Conservatives accused the government of trying to "railroad through unpopular developments", as it tries to hit its ambitious target of building 1.5 million homes by the next election.

According to the most recent figures, only 231,000 were built between last year's election and September 2025.

(c) Sky News 2025: New homes earmarked near train stations to get 'default yes' from planners