The government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the housing planning system, with all councils in England now required to meet new, mandatory housing targets. These targets aim to support the government’s commitment to delivering 1.5 million additional homes.

The reforms will simplify the process for granting brownfield development permissions. Councils will also be required to review their green belt land where necessary and identify and prioritize ‘grey belt’ land. This term is defined as land on the edges of existing settlements or roads, as well as sites like old petrol stations and car parks.

Land safeguarded for environmental reasons will remain protected. Additionally, any green belt land released for development must include 50% affordable homes.

These reforms are expected to create new opportunities for businesses involved in construction.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/housing-targets-increased-to-get-britain-building-again