17 August 2026

Under the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a default ‘yes’ for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for how much housing should be built in these areas.

Our town planning experts previously provided commentary on the government’s proposals to update national planning policy, and in doing so explained how we are uniquely positioned to support developers in bringing forward new development and infrastructure projects both on and adjacent railway land.

Today’s announcements by government seeks to enshrine the government’s commitments to support new housebuilding near railway stations in a newly adopted National Planning Policy Framework.

Our multidisciplinary team of planners, surveyors, engineers, investment and railway specialists are experienced in facilitating the delivery of development on and near the railway.

Please get in touch if you need advice on how the planning policy changes could affect your development ambitions. Our earlier analysis on the proposals can also be found here.