Sir Vince Cable has given a cautious welcome to government plans to streamline the development of new homes around railway stations, warning that objections and delays could still undermine the reforms.
The Government has announced measures aimed at encouraging higher-density housebuilding on land within walking distance of stations, with suitable developments expected to benefit from a default ‘yes’ approach to planning.
The policy is intended to make greater use of existing transport infrastructure while unlocking underdeveloped land for housing.
Cable, chair of the independent housing policy and delivery oversight committee, backs the principle but says its success will depend on how the changes work in practice.
“Success will be in the detail.”
He said: “This is a desirable planning reform if it encourages higher density developments using existing infrastructure rather than sprawling sites which require multi-car households.
“Success will be in the detail and the practical application of what is proposed. Although such developments will assume a default ‘yes’, there will still be scope for objections and delay, all things that are problematic for builders.”
BEAM PARK WARNING
Cable points to the Beam Park development in east London as an example of the difficulties that can arise when housing development depends on accompanying transport infrastructure.
Plans for a new station between Dagenham Dock and Rainham have faced repeated setbacks since first being proposed more than two decades ago.
Cable said: “The lesson of the Beam Park development in Dagenham should be highlighted as a clear example of the obstacles sensible developments face.
“A new rail station between Dagenham Dock and Rainham was first suggested in 2002 and is important to the wider use of land for housing. The new station has had many setbacks including from the Department for Transport in 2021 when it refused funding.
“Even now the go-ahead remains contingent on funding as costs have increased.”
He added: “Let’s hope the Transport Secretary can unlock this important project and help provide more much-needed housing in the area.”
