Labour’s push to build 1.5 million homes has triggered fresh anger as it emerges that fewer people—and even key organizations—may be able to object to new developments. In a bid to cut red tape, ministers are considering reducing the number of official bodies consulted on planning decisions, a move critics say will bulldoze over local voices.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner insists that planning reforms are essential to making the system “sensible and balanced” while ensuring that Britain delivers on its ambitious housebuilding targets. But the Conservatives have accused Labour of undermining democracy and silencing communities, reported the Express.
Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake argued: “We built 1 million homes in the last Parliament, taking local democratic consent into consideration. But these plans would rip all that up. Labour has already manipulated housing targets, shifting developments from urban centres to rural communities. These reforms will remove yet another safeguard and further undermine local voices.”
One of the organisations expected to be cut from the process, Sport England, has strongly defended its role, arguing that protecting green spaces is critical for public health. “Britain’s childhood obesity crisis is rising, and low physical activity levels cost our economy £7.4 billion a year, making it vital we protect the places that local communities can be active,” a spokesperson said.
The Theatres Trust is also concerned about being sidelined, saying it “proactively engages with all local planning authorities and developers” and should not be seen as an obstacle to growth. CEO Joshua McTaggart and chairman Dave Moutrey welcomed the review but called for a “data-led and rigorous process” to ensure each consultee is judged on merit.
Rejecting the idea that arts and culture should take a backseat to housebuilding, they added: “While housebuilding is a necessary part of the country’s growth, we know this Government also understands that communities need to have access to culture, storytelling, and educational opportunities. Theatres are a key provider of this, and theatres are what we endeavour to protect.”
Under the proposed changes, councils would only need to consult statutory bodies when absolutely necessary, and objections should not delay planning decisions beyond the standard 21-day deadline. The government also wants to narrow the focus of statutory consultees to issues like heritage, safety, and environmental protection.
Defending the move, Rayner said: “We’ve put growth at the heart of our plans as a Government, with our Plan for Change milestone to secure 1.5 million homes and unleash Britain’s potential to build. We need to reform the system to ensure it is sensible and balanced and does not create unintended delays—putting a hold on people’s lives and harming our efforts to build the homes people desperately need.”
Housebuilders have long complained that planning authorities face delays because some statutory consultees take too long to respond or submit objections that are later withdrawn. In the last three years, more than 300 applications have been escalated to the Secretary of State due to disputes with consultees, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
While Labour insists these reforms will speed up much-needed housing developments, critics argue that stripping away consultation could leave communities powerless against unwelcome construction projects. With the battle over Britain’s housing future heating up, it’s clear that the debate is far from over.
