The Local Government Association (LGA) has voiced concerns over the government's proposed National Planning Policy Framework changes.
It warns that changes such as easing planning permission restrictions and re-introducing mandatory housing targets could lead to speculative, unplanned developments without sufficient infrastructure.
We look at the response in detail and outline other changes the LGA has proposed to help "build the homes our country needs".
What are the Government's planned changes to the NPPF?
Rachel Reeves, in her first speech as Chancellor of the Exchequer, outlined the government's homebuilding strategy to meet their target of 1.5 million homes.
Key measures included reinstating mandatory housing targets for local councils, planning reforms that would remove bureaucratic red tape and prioritise brownfield sites for development.
However, Reeves also introduced the concept of 'grey belt' land – neglected areas within green belts – as potential areas for building. Labour's approach aims to ensure faster planning approvals and provide the right housing mix while balancing local and national interests.
Council 'know their areas best' not central government, says LGA
In its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation response the LGA has warned that the government's proposed housebuilding targets could lead to "speculative unplanned development, without the necessary infrastructure".
They emphasise that councils are best positioned to make local planning decisions, as they claim "councils and communities know their areas best and are well placed to make judgement decisions" advocating for the NPPF to remain flexible.
The LGA highlights that building new homes alone isn't enough for thriving communities; they need "appropriate levels of local and national infrastructure" to support public services, economic activity, and environmental conservation.
Cllr Adam Hug, Housing spokesperson for the LGA said: “Our message to Government is simple: work with us and give us the tools to build the homes our country needs."
LGA claims 'planning permission is not a barrier to housebuilding'
Despite the LGA supporting the government's plans to build more homes they caution that "planning permission is not a barrier," as local authorities approve nearly nine out of ten applications despite limited resources.
The LGA also raises concerns about mandatory housebuilding targets, stressing that without proper infrastructure, these policies risk "centralising" decision making.
They claim this shift could undermine local authorities’ ability to address both local and national needs while maintaining flexibility in planning for sustainable development.
LGA urges restriction to permitted development rights
The LGA also urged the government to revoke "unfettered permitted development rights," criticising their allowance for creating homes without affordable housing contributions or ensuring decent standards.
The LGA argued that councils should be empowered to set their own planning fees to tackle growing resourcing issues in planning departments.
They emphasised that this flexibility, combined with measures like increasing council planners, would help address national staffing shortages and provide better value for taxpayers.
The consultation on the proposed NPPF changes ended on the September 24 but An announcement on when the changes will take place has not yet been decided.
