Housing targets will become an advisory starting point and councils will be given new powers to reject developments that significantly alter the character of an area or impinge on existing green belt.
The reforms were announced in December by Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove, with publication of a new National Planning Policy Framework for England.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, LGA Housing Spokesperson, said: “People want their local area to have high-quality affordable homes built in the right places, supported by the right infrastructure, and councils stand ready to help government tackle local housing challenges.
“This is best achieved through a local planning system with public participation at its heart. So, we are pleased government has confirmed that housing targets will become an advisory starting point that will take into account local circumstances. The reality is that planning is not a barrier to house building. Nine in 10 planning applications are approved by councils despite significant resourcing and capacity issues across the country.”
The Government also announced that 180 local authorities have been awarded a share of £14.3 million from the Planning Skills Delivery Fund. For the financial year 2023/24, this includes 111 receiving funding for support with planning application backlogs and 36 for support with skills development.