The Government has unveiled an ambitious drive to accelerate planning reforms, a move intended to supercharge economic growth and fulfil its bold promise of constructing 1.5 million homes over the next five years.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed a strategic focus on building more homes near commuter train stations, asserting that such developments will directly benefit working families and enhance accessibility to key economic hubs.

The proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to slash bureaucratic hurdles that have historically delayed critical infrastructure projects, signalling a shift toward expedited approvals and streamlined processes.

Over the past six months, only 13 planning decisions have been finalized—a number that belies the growing momentum for change. Of these, nine approvals were granted for substantial projects, spanning airports, data centres, and housing developments, laying the groundwork for a broader transformation.

Reeves emphasized: “I am fighting every single day in our mission to kick start the economy, deliver on our Plan for Change, and make working people better off.

“That includes avenues that others have shied away from. Too often the answer to new development has been ‘no.’ But that is the attitude that has stunted economic growth and left working people worse off.”

She continued “We need to do things differently, and that journey began as soon as I started at the Treasury in July. These are our next steps, and I can say for certain, there is more to come.”

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reinforced the Government’s commitment, pointing to the need for decisive action to dismantle barriers hindering progress: “From day one, I have been clear that bold action is needed to remove the blockers who put a chokehold on growth,” said Rayner.

“That’s why we are putting growth at the heart of our planning system.”

She went on to highlight the potential benefits: “Growth means higher wages, better living standards, families raising their children in safer homes, and the next generation taking their first steps onto the housing ladder.

“This year, we will go even further to make the dream of homeownership a reality for millions and fix the housing crisis we inherited for good - getting more shovels in the ground to build the homes and vital infrastructure that our communities so desperately need.”

With these declarations, the Government appears steadfast in its resolve to overhaul planning frameworks, catalyse growth, and bridge the gap between economic ambition and tangible outcomes. Time will tell whether these promises translate into transformative change.