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Housing: Railway Stations

Asked by Jim McMahonLabour (Co-op)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 25 November 2025UIN 92662

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposals to introduce an automatic approval assumption for developments near train stations on (a) levels and (b) locations of houses in multiple occupation where Article 4 directives are in place; and whether he plans to include light rail tram stations alongside or in the definition of train stations.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

The proposals in question do not involve granting automatic permission to suitable planning applications.

They will cover development within a reasonable walking distance of well-connected tram stations, including light rail tram stations.

The proposals will not affect existing permitted development rights or Article 4 directions.

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