New housing developments close to well-connected train, tram and underground stations will receive stronger in-principle planning support under an overhaul of England’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The updated framework, announced by the Government on 17 August 2026, introduces a “default yes” approach for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for housing density in these locations.
Stephen Teagle, Chief Executive for Partnerships at Vistry Group, said: "We welcome the announcement, which by prioritising developments near stations will enable more homes to be built in well-connected places where people want to live. Planning applications take far too long to process and the Government’s plans to streamline requirements, with clear national policies, will reduce the burden on local authorities and address many of the bottlenecks that hold up housing delivery.”
The Government says the changes are intended to make better use of underdeveloped land around transport hubs and accelerate housing delivery as it pursues its target of building 1.5 million homes. The reforms will also strengthen the presumption in favour of development in sustainable locations and reduce duplication between national and local planning policies.
Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, said: “The changes being announced today turn long-held ambitions into reality for our communities. Densification, combined with high-quality walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, will support healthier lifestyles, improve access to jobs and services, and protect important public transport services.”
Other changes include a national minimum requirement for 40% of homes on major developments to be accessible, stronger support for infrastructure including AI Growth Zones and data centres, and measures aimed at reducing information requirements for smaller developments and speeding up planning decisions.
The revised NPPF will also strengthen protection for pubs and other community facilities. Plans to convert pubs into housing or offices will become harder, going further than earlier proposals which focused protection on the last remaining pub in an area.
However, Fergus Charlton, Planning Partner at national law firm Michelmores, questioned the approach, saying: “This an example of decisions on land-use overriding commercial decisions. A good well-run pub is a valued community asset, and its commercial viability means the market will ensure its survival. The all-too-familiar empty carcasses of un-valued failed pubs lying derelict in towns and villages are monuments to this upended decision-making policy. In the face of a housing crisis, planning policy should allow them to convert.”
The Government announcement is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/full-steam-ahead-to-fast-track-more-homes-near-stations
