The government has set out new measures in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which they claim will place local communities at the heart of the planning system.
 
Housing targets remain, but are a 'starting point' with new flexibilities to reflect local circumstances. To reinforce this, Michael Gove, Minister for Levelling Up,  has asked the competition watchdog for a study on the housebuilding market.

Local authorities are to be given power to promote brownfield development with a wider review to promote brownfield development.

New penalties are also proposed for slow developers failing to build already-approved homes

The measures are designed to strengthen the government’s commitment to building enough of the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure, ensuring the environment is protected and giving local people a greater say on where and where not to place new development.

Housing targets remain an important part of the planning system say the government and they will consult on how these can better take account of local density.