As part of its reforms to planning law the UK Government plans to implement a major shift in planning policy that allows central government to determine housing applications for 150 homes or more. The Government’s view is that this will accelerate housing delivery, particularly where councils intend to refuse applications, by allowing the Housing Secretary to “call in” and decide these cases directly. Inevitably this will reduce the ability of residents living near proposed development sites to influence planning decisions.
There is not yet a fixed, legally‑in‑force start date for the 150‑dwellings referral rule; it remains a stated government proposal linked to the wider planning overhaul, with detail to be set out through forthcoming legislation and directions. FEDORA will monitor the proposals and their implications.
