The Labour government has unveiled a major overhaul of England’s planning rules, allowing more homes to be built even if they “encroach on the countryside”. Under the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), councils will be told to first build on brownfield land, then consider “grey belt” areas – land in the green belt that does not strongly contribute to its purpose.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said the changes will “get Britain building” and deliver the “biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation”. The government has set a target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, a 61% increase compared to recent annual construction levels.
However, the plans have faced criticism from the Conservatives, who accused Labour of “waging war on rural England” and “gerrymandering” new homes away from urban areas. Shadow Housing Secretary Kevin Hollinrake claimed most of the new properties would be needed to house immigrants rather than British citizens.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the reforms, saying housing needs must take priority over protecting nature and the environment. He told broadcasters: “If it comes to a human being wanting to have a house for them and their family, that has to be the top priority.”
The government will also intervene if councils refuse to update their local development plans, imposing a “presumption in favour of sustainable development” that makes it harder for communities to block new homes. Two-thirds of councils have not submitted their plans, meaning they could fall foul of this rule.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged the 1.5 million target was “stretching” but insisted it was “achievable” if all parts of the system, including developers and local authorities, work together.
