Boris Johnson Unveils Major Reforms to UK Planning System

Boris Johnson Announces Major UK Planning Reforms

Boris Johnson has announced the most radical reforms to the UK planning system since the Second World War. These changes aim to simplify the process and make it easier to build better homes where people want to live.

New Regulations for Buildings and Land

Under Boris Johnson’s new regulations, buildings and land in town centers will gain greater flexibility. Specifically, they can now change use without needing planning permission. Additionally, these reforms will support creating homes from vacant and redundant buildings.

Key Changes in Boris Johnson’s Planning Reforms

• Boris Johnson’s reforms will allow the conversion of commercial properties, including vacant shops, into residential housing more easily. This change will jump-start the construction industry and accelerate the rebuilding process.
• According to the new Boris Johnson-introduced reforms, more types of commercial premises can be repurposed. For example, a retail building can become a café or office without requiring a planning application. However, essential community uses like pubs and libraries will not be affected by these changes.
• Furthermore, more commercial buildings can now change to residential use without a planning application. This reform simplifies the conversion process significantly.
• Builders no longer need a standard planning application to demolish and rebuild vacant and redundant buildings, provided they are rebuilt as homes. This change aims to streamline the rebuilding process.
• Additionally, property owners can build extra space above their properties through a fast-track approval process, which requires consultation with neighbors. This change will expedite the expansion of residential properties.

Impact on Development and High Streets

The Boris Johnson-announced reforms, set to take effect by September, will revive high streets by enabling quick repurposing of empty commercial properties. Moreover, these changes will ease the pressure on greenfield land by simplifying brownfield development. Although developers must still meet high standards and regulations, they will face less bureaucratic red tape.

Future Land Management

Boris Johnson has also announced plans to review how government-owned land can be managed more effectively. A new cross-government strategy will explore how to use public sector land for home building, environmental improvement, achieving net zero goals, and fostering community growth.

Additional Measures to Support Home Building

• As Boris Johnson confirmed, a £12 billion affordable homes programme will support up to 180,000 new affordable homes for ownership and rent over the next 8 years.
• Included in this programme is a 1,500-unit pilot of ‘First Homes’. These houses will be sold to first-time buyers at a 30% discount, ensuring they remain affordable for future generations.
• £400 million from the Brownfield Land Fund will go to regions such as the West Midlands and Greater Manchester to support approximately 24,000 homes.
• Additionally, the Home Building Fund will receive an extra £450 million boost. This funding will help smaller developers access finance for new housing developments, supporting the construction of around 7,200 new homes.

Upcoming Policy Papers and Reforms

In July, the government will release a planning Policy Paper outlining a comprehensive reform of England’s planning system. This reform, introduced by Boris Johnson, aims to establish a new approach that aligns with the modern economy and society. Later this year, the English Devolution and Local Recovery White Paper will detail how the UK government plans to partner with regions to build a sustainable economic recovery, launch the National Infrastructure Plan, and implement broader deregulation reforms.