Planning Reform Working Paper - 'Speeding Up Build Out'

Planning Reform Working Paper – ‘Speeding Up Build Out’

James Firth

James Firth

May, 27 2025

The Government has released a new working paper and technical consultation. These aim to speed up build out and improve delivery.

Government Calls on Developers

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner urged developers to “roll up their sleeves and play their part.” She stressed that the Government backs “the builders, not the blockers.”

Build Out Reporting Framework

The technical consultation introduces a build out reporting framework. This includes:

  • Build out statements
  • Commencement notices
  • Annual development project reports

Support for SME Developers

To help smaller firms, the measures apply only to residential developments of 50 or more homes.

Build Out Statement Requirements

The build out statement becomes mandatory for planning application validation. It must include:

  • A build out trajectory
  • Site-specific constraints
  • Housing tenure mix
  • Diversification plans to support build out
  • Risks to delivery

Power to Decline Applications

Local authorities may gain a new power: declining to determine applications. They can use this if an applicant fails to build out a previous permission at a reasonable rate. The reporting framework will inform these decisions.

Mixed Tenure Development Policies

The working paper proposes policies for mixed tenure development. Sites above a certain size threshold must deliver mixed tenure housing. Further details will appear in a consultation on the revised National Planning Policy Framework later in 2025.

Compulsory Purchase Order Changes

The proposals include changes to Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs). Key points:

  • Conditional confirmation of CPOs
  • Encouraging landowners to progress alternative proposals
  • Reducing weight given to alternative proposals in decision-making
  • De-risking CPO use on stalled sites

Delayed Homes Penalty

A Delayed Homes Penalty is proposed for developments that fall behind agreed schedules. Details remain under discussion, but the penalty would:

  • Apply only to large sites
  • Trigger when delivery falls substantially behind schedule
  • Charge developers per delayed home, based on house price or council tax rates

Industry Perspective

James Firth, Partner at Ceres Property, commented:

“Previous reforms have already influenced planning decisions nationwide. Many applications include delivery timescales to support decision-making and maintain a five-year housing land supply. Formalising this process could improve monitoring and inform debates on supply.

Further reform must remain positive and collaborative. All parties share the goal of delivering sustainable, high-quality homes. These measures highlight the importance of deliverability and timescales in planning applications and Local Plan allocations. Constructive joint working between government, local authorities, and developers is essential to overcome challenges and deliver much-needed homes.”

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