Planning reform: supporting the high street and increasing the delivery of new homes

The government is committed to simplifying and speeding up the planning system, to support the high street, make effective use of land and deliver more homes.

Building on existing planning reforms, the government is consulting on proposals that will allow greater change of use to support high streets to adapt and diversify, support extending existing buildings upwards to create additional homes, and speed up the delivery of new homes.

The consultation includes separate proposals in respect of:

• Part 1: new and amended permitted development rights and changes to use classes, including to support the regeneration of the high street and to extend existing buildings upwards to create new homes.
• Part 2: the disposal of surplus local authority land - rationalising and updating the rules which govern disposal of public land at less than best value.
• Part 3: a draft listed building consent order to support the work of the Canal & River Trust.
• Part 4: draft guidance on the compulsory purchase powers of new town development corporations