Forming the basis of the UK's housing plans, reforms to the National Planning & Policy Framework have been confirmed following a three-month consultation period.
And while much of the document is designed to provide rules and guidelines for housing developments, the same rules will apply to individuals applying for permission to renovate, extend or self-build.
On the whole, most of the proposed reforms proposed have been passed, with some updates and amendments. We take a look at what this means for you.
Homes can be built closer to stations
As reported in Homebuilding & Renovating earlier this year, homes built closer to train stations will now get a default "yes", as long as they meet planning guidelines and criteria.
And while this is primarily aimed at stations that have a high number of trains departing and arriving each day, it will also apply to smaller ones, with the criteria outlining properties should be within walking distance (roughly 10 minutes walking time) to well-connected train, tram and Tube stations.
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.
“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities."
Some conversions will be subject to tighter restrictions
Although overall the major planning reforms have been made to meet the government's self-imposed goal of building 1.5 million homes, this doesn't always mean building a new home.
For those looking to convert an existing building into a residential property, the reforms offer mixed opportunities.
Despite the growing number of pub closures, developers will now have to prove there is no means of saving the pub as a commercial business, and it will have to be on the market for 12 months before a conversion into a residential property will be considered.
On the flipside, if you own a property that is ripe for a loft conversion, or has enough curtilage to allow for an additional property in the grounds (often referred to as an infill plot), this will be encouraged.
According to the government document, the following will all be well received: "Creating additional homes or floorspace within settlements by using the airspace above existing residential and commercial premises, or through sensitive redevelopment or additional development within existing plots (including, but not limited to, the addition of mansard roofs, proposals to fill gaps in the existing roof line, the introduction of higher buildings at street corners and additional units within residential curtilages)."
Fewer bodies will be involved in the approvals process
Planning permission approvals, which historically take longer than the projected 12 weeks, may also become quicker thanks to the reforms. Some bodies that were previously given a say, may no longer be consulted.
"These proposals aim to significantly streamline the planning system by reducing unnecessary statutory consultations, empowering local planning authorities, and focusing resources where they are most needed," says the government.
However, this matter is still undergoing some work and may also come at a cost to developers who plan a project that does impact certain bodies. According to the government, it "also plans to publish a consultation later this year on a planning fee surcharge to support statutory consultee resourcing."
Wildfire risk will be accounted for
Hot on the heels of this summer's unprecedented wildfires, the planning reforms had already taken into account the need for greater consideration of the risk they pose to housing developments and the reforms have been finalised.
According to the government, it "recognises the importance of ensuring that wildfire adaptation supports high-quality design and placemaking. Changes have been made to clarify that adaptation measures should be designed into the layout and landscaping of development.
"The Framework should be read as a whole, with climate change adaptation considered alongside wider objectives, including environmental quality, design and green infrastructure. Overall, the government considers that these amendments provide a clearer, more consistent and proportionate framework for addressing wildfire risk, allowing for the use of local evidence and site-specific considerations, and reflecting the potential for further evidence and mapping to become available over time."
Will the reforms make a difference?
Only time will tell if the reforms will have the desired effect of reaching the government's target. However, it is hoped these reforms, along with confirmation that grey belt land will still be considered for development could help to ensure more homes become available.
