Keir Starmer unveils “planning passports” to boost housebuilding

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans to bring in “planning passports” that mean inner city homes are automatically approved providing they meet design and quality standards.

Labour is taking a brownfield-first approach to housebuilding, while also focusing on apartment blocks in cities.

The party has an overarching aim of building 1.5 million homes over the course of this parliament.

Starmer, speaking at Labour’s annual party conference, said:

“Working alongside our mayors and local leaders, the new planning passports will put rocket boosters under housebuilding.

“They mean that where development proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer will be yes, not no.

“Because I mean what I said before the election: Labour are the party of aspiration, security and growth.

“We don’t shy away from tough decisions.

“We are the builders, not the blockers.”

Labour argued that it makes sense to build within existing city boundaries, as it enables people to be closer to work and better transport infrastructure.

Starmer went on to say the ministers have been in discussions with major developers ever since the party’s victory in the General Election on the 4th of July.

Starmer added:

“They’re very pleased to see these plans.

“They want to get on with it.

“We are absolutely determined to deliver.”

Housing secretary Angela Rayner is also chairing a cross-government taskforce to end homelessness.

Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said:

“Starmer reaffirmed the country first, party second message and proved that Britain still has politicians that believe in governing with conviction.

“It was particularly pleasing to hear planning reform remain a key plank of the government’s strategy.

“Promises to house veterans and the homeless, create planning passports for inner cities, and introduce new foundation apprenticeships all example the government is listening to the people and industry, and this gives them the best chance to enable and more importantly sustain growth.”

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