Planning Overhaul to Fast-Track Housing Around Transit Hubs, Including Green Belt

In a significant shift in housing policy, the

In a significant shift in housing policy, the government is set to announce that proposals for new homes near railway stations and other transport hubs will receive a 'default yes' under revised planning regulations. This move is expected to unlock the construction of thousands of additional residences, with some developments potentially permitted on green belt land.

The new rules, which will apply across England, are designed to accelerate housebuilding in areas with strong transport links, addressing the chronic shortage of affordable housing. By streamlining the approval process, ministers hope to encourage developers to focus on sustainable locations, reducing reliance on cars and supporting local economies.

However, the plan has already sparked debate, with environmental groups and some local councils expressing concerns about the potential impact on protected landscapes and existing communities. The government insists that safeguards will remain in place, but the 'default yes' approach signals a clear preference for growth where infrastructure can support it.

In a separate development, Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's

In a separate development, Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's finance spokesperson, is expected to unveil a radical package of spending cuts totaling £41bn. This includes a £20bn reduction in disability benefits and a further £21bn saving by barring most foreign nationals—including EU citizens with settled status—from accessing almost all benefit schemes.

Reform UK says the measures are necessary to slash the welfare bill by a quarter, replacing the current Personal Independence Payment (Pip) with a new cash benefit reserved exclusively for individuals described as 'gravely ill and severely challenged'. The proposals are likely to face intense scrutiny from campaigners and opposition parties concerned about the welfare of vulnerable people.