'Default yes' to any housing developments near stations

HOUSING developments near stations will receive a “default yes” from planners as the Government aims to meet its pledge of building 1.5 million homes.

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Housing Secretary Steve Reed is set to announce changes to planning rules that will make it easier to build on sites within 15 minutes’ walk of “well-connected” train and tram stations, including on green belt land.

The change, which involves amending the National Planning Policy Framework, is part of a series of measures expected to be announced by Mr Reed on Tuesday.

Other proposals include allowing ministers to intervene if local councils intend to reject applications for large housing developments and removing some organisations from the list of bodies applicants are required to consult.