The areas where housing developments will get a ‘default yes’ if based nearby

New housing projects close to railway stations will be met with a “default yes” from planners as the government looks to meet its commitment to build 1.5 million homes.

Housing Minister Steve Reed is set to announce changes to planning rules that will make it easier to build on land within a 15-minute walk of “well-connected” train and tram stations.

Importantly, these changes will also apply to designated green belt areas.

This change to the National Planning Policy Framework is among a range of measures Mr Reed is expected to announce on Tuesday.

Other proposals include allowing ministers to intervene if local councils intend to reject applications for major housing developments and removing some organizations from the list of institutions that applicants must consult.

Mr Reed said: “I promised we would build Britain and that is exactly what we have done.

“But these need to be the right homes in the right places and nearby transport links are a vital part of this.”

Labour’s manifesto pledged to build 1.5 million homes by the next election in a bid to tackle the housing crisis.

But the Government needs to step up to meet its target, with the latest figures showing 231,300 new homes were built between last year’s election and September this year.

Mr Reed said Tuesday’s announcement included “stronger powers” to deal with councils “dragging their feet” on approving new homes.

Under their proposals, local authorities that intend to refuse permission for developments of more than 150 homes would have to notify the Government, giving ministers the final say on whether to approve the proposal.

Organizations such as Sport England, The Gardens Trust and Theaters Trust may also be excluded from the list of organizations that are required by law to be consulted regarding application planning.

Mr Reed said this would “streamline” the planning process and “reduce delays”.

Sam Richards, chief executive of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade, said plans to give a “default yes” to developments in “underused” areas near railway stations were a “no-brainer”.

He said: “For years the planning system has prevented new homes from being opened in the places where people most want to live. Building in well-connected areas means shorter commutes, stronger city and town centres, and eventually more young people being able to own a home.”

David Simmonds, the shadow housing secretary, said: “It’s clear that England needs more homes. But Labor is trying to push through unpopular developments rather than working with local communities to deliver the homes people really want.

“As the 1.5 million homes target becomes a broken promise and housing development collapses in cities like London, Labor has turned to another top-down policy that is harsh on local people. So much for the promise of strengthening communities.”