Propertymark has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on proposals to streamline the infrastructure planning process consultation, highlighting key areas where improvements can be made while ensuring the interests of local communities and property professionals are safeguarded. Importantly, we recommend a stronger emphasis on public approval during the pre-application process to ensure that only well-supported projects move forward quickly.

The Bill aims to modernise the UK's planning system, promoting rapid housing development and infrastructure while balancing environmental sustainability. Members should prepare for a dynamic landscape with new opportunities and responsibilities as these reforms take effect, offering new avenues for growth while necessitating adaptability to regulatory changes and a commitment to sustainable development.

The Ministry for Housing, Planning and Local Government (MCLHG) has issued an update on their plans for a generation of new towns six months after the launch of a dedicated task force. More than 100 potential sites across England have been suggested after the UK Government asked for expressions of interest from councils, housing developers and landowners.

Introduced on 7 February 2025, the Permitted Development Rights (Extension) Bill, put forward by Lord Lucas, proposes significant changes to planning laws in England and Wales, establishing new rights for householders to modify their properties in primary legislation for the first time. Propertymark responded to the UK Government's consultation on Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) last year, supporting the reduction of barriers to sustainability upgrades.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer revealed more about the UK Government’s plans to accelerate housebuilding and reform the planning system in a speech delivered on 29 January 2025. Highlighting the role of housing in economic growth, she announced measures designed to unlock development, remove planning barriers, and encourage investment in infrastructure projects.

In our response to Westminster City Council’s consultation on the renewal and potential expansion of a requirement for planning permission to erect sales and lettings boards, we argue that our members’ high professional standards mean they should be left out of the plans. Propertymark recognises the need to protect Westminster’s aesthetic appeal but cautions against measures that could disproportionately impact responsible property agents.

Mandatory housing targets, more funding for planning officers and a definition of ‘grey belt’ land feature in the new rules published on 12 December 2024. The revised framework underpins the Labour Party’s manifesto commitment to build 1.5 million homes over five years.

In a working paper published on 9 December 2024, the Secretary of State for Housing sets out options for revolution in the national planning system, which will be introduced through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. Proposals focus on modernising, up-skilling, and empowering local planning officers and committees to operate as effectively as possible and deliver the homes and infrastructure which are desperately needed across the country.

The Rt Hon. Sir Kier Starmer, MP, announced his Plan for Change: Milestones for mission-led government in a high-profile, tone-setting speech on 5 December 2024. Drawing attention to the fact that housing starts and permissions are at their lowest for a decade, the Prime Minister insisted that the housing crisis will not be solved without approving controversial developments. However, with no new detail about how the targets will be achieved, the housing sector is left guessing.

Planning has not created a housing emergency — but it can help solve the challenges. The Scottish Government is focused on identifying how its planning system can help to provide solutions with the introduction of a new Housing Planning Hub that will be launched and operational in early 2025.

Prioritising local housing needs is key to addressing the housing crisis. We support the UK Government’s proposals, but they must be thoughtfully implemented to encourage development while ensuring benefits for local communities.

The Local Government Association (LGA) submission to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system has been released. It urges the UK Government to collaborate more closely with local councils, to improve and increase the delivery of affordable and social housing and calls for the necessary resources and powers to ensure the successful delivery of local housing plans.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has responded to recommendations made by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) based on their year-long investigation of residential construction in England, Scotland, and Wales. Ministers agree that reform is essential to ensure the market delivers homes that the country needs and have committed to creating a long-term housing strategy with the buy-in of local authorities, developers, landowners and investors.

A Local Authority has been given the go ahead by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to repossess a rental property left empty and in disrepair since 2018. Objections raised by the property owner were overruled by a Planning Inspectorate hearing and the Council will now ensure the building is sold to a new owner who will renovate and occupy it within a reasonable timeframe.

Targeted at clearing empty buildings, former car parks, and industrial land for development, the £68 million will be delivered directly to 54 councils through the Brownfield Land Release Fund. The UK Government has stated that 5,400 houses will be built across the UK with projects in Manchester, Eastbourne, Northampton, and Weston-Super-Mare already confirmed.

Practical measures to ensure local demand is properly considered and a realistic approach to incentives for developers and landowners are key issues Propertymark members highlighted in the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation.