Rayner orders councils to approve homes near stations by default

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has instructed councils in England to approve housing developments near well-connected train and tram stations by default. The policy, announced on 17 August 2026, forms part of the government’s revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which will be published this week.

The changes require local authorities to adopt a "default yes" stance for proposals within a reasonable walking distance of transport hubs. This includes green belt sites, provided developers meet conditions such as higher affordable housing quotas, new or improved green spaces, and supporting infrastructure. The policy was initially proposed under former Housing Secretary Steve Reed and has now been confirmed.

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Government targets 1.5 million new homes

The government aims to build 1.5 million new homes by the end of the current parliament. Two years into the five-year term, it has reached a quarter of that target. Rayner said the policy would help address housing shortages by enabling people to live closer to work, schools, and essential services. "That’s how we’ll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country," she said, as reported by *The Guardian*.

Protections for pubs and community spaces

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The updated NPPF introduces stronger protections for pubs, requiring developers to demonstrate that a venue cannot be sustained as a going concern before converting it to housing or offices. This includes evidence that the pub was marketed for sale for at least a year. Larger developments will also be required to ensure at least 40% of homes are accessible, with additional safeguards for community facilities.

Opposition parties criticise centralisation

The policy has faced criticism from opposition parties, who argue it centralises planning decisions and undermines local control. James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, said Labour’s approach was a "power grab" that would force communities to accept development in unsuitable areas. "Labour’s planning power grab is exposing our green belt and countryside to unauthorised Traveller sites, and ministers are turning a blind eye," he said, as reported by *The Guardian*.

Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, said the plans contradicted Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s devolution agenda. "Far from empowering local councils who actually know their communities, they strip power from the people who live there and hand it to Whitehall," he said. The government has not responded to these criticisms.

Think tank backs policy for growth

The Centre for Cities, a think tank, welcomed the policy, describing it as crucial for economic growth. Andrew Carter, its chief executive, said a default "yes" to homes near stations was "a vital reform that opens up space for high numbers of homes to be built in the long term, all of them well connected to jobs in major cities." He added that green belts had previously blocked development along commuter routes, but the new rules would unlock these sites without affecting more than a small fraction of green belt land.

What happens next

The revised NPPF will take effect immediately upon publication this week. Councils must now align local planning policies with the new national guidance, which prioritises development in sustainable locations. Residents and developers can expect decisions on housing applications near transport hubs to be processed under the updated rules from this point forward.