Plans to Accelerate Homebuilding

The proposed legislation is designed to overhaul the planning process, helping to support the delivery of up to 1.5 million new homes. It has received a largely positive response from developers, with the goal to cut a year off infrastructure delivery, by reducing the time and resources spent on documentation.

Key proposals include:

• Reforming rules for nationally significant infrastructure projects under the Planning Act 2008

• Granting Natural England new powers to mitigate environmental impact

• Accelerating delivery of electricity infrastructure with appropriate protections

• Streamlining planning for transport schemes relating to the Highways Act 1980 and Transport and Works Act 1992

• Introducing mandatory training for planning committee members

• Clarifying the role and remit of development corporations in delivering large-scale housing

…and more.

The bill forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, intending to make homeownership easier to achieve for families across the UK. By easing the provision of essential infrastructure—such as roads, reservoirs, and energy generation—it aims to support the development of safe and decent new homes.