New homes and hospitals will be granted “automatic” permission to be built as part of sweeping planning reforms in England, the housing secretary says. Robert Jenrick announced a “permission in principle” will be given to developments on land designated “for renewal” to speed-up building.
The changes to legislation allowing for automatic planning permission comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowed to “build, build, build” as part of a £5bn pledge to kick-start the economy and protect jobs following the coronavirus pandemic. Under the current rules, it takes an average of five years for a “standard housing development” to go through the planning system, according to Mr Jenrick.
However, these reforms will mean land designated for new homes, hospitals, schools, shops and offices will get automatic permission for firms to start building. These types of properties will fall under the “for growth” category, meaning work will be able to start on the land straight away.
You’ll still need planning permission if you want to:
- Build something new
- Make a major change to your building, eg. building an extension
- Change the use of your building
If you have any questions about planning permission or are starting to plan your own project at home, contact us and see how we can help. We offer a wide range of services and are guided by our values.
Land designated for growth will empower development – new homes, hospitals, schools, shops and offices will be allowed automatically.
Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The Federation of Master Builders, which represents small traders, has previously said construction output fell to historic lows due to the coronavirus pandemic and that streamlining planning applications would bring forward new developments.
Jenrick has not specified the criteria for designating land under these proposals. Areas of outstanding natural beauty and the green belt will be protected however.
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