The targets are being included as part of the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which will force councils to commit to strict 12 week timelines. If this window is missed, “ministers will not hesitate” to intervene.

A series of “golden rules” are also being introduced. These are brownfield first and grey felt second. Affordable homes, boosted public services and infrastructure and improved “genuine” green spaces are the other golden rules in this plan.

A “common sense” approach is being introduced for green belt land, with councils required to review green belt boundaries to meet targets, as well as identifying and prioritising lower quality grey belt land.

“Greater consideration” must also be given to social rent needs by both councils and developers, under the new NPPF.

Announcing the changes, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said reform was “desperately needed.”

“Under the current planning framework just under one third of local authorities have adopted a local plan within the last five years and the number of homes granted planning permission had also been allowed to fall to its lowest level in a decade,” he said.

“That has to change. Following consultation, areas must commit to timetables for new plans within 12 weeks the updated NPPF or ministers will not hesitate to use their existing suite of intervention powers to ensure plans are put in place.”

Deputy Prime Minister, and housing secretary, Angela Rayner added: “I will not hesitate to do what it takes to build 1.5 million new homes over five years and deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation.

“We must all do our bit and we must all do more. We expect every local area to adopt a plan to meet their housing need. The question is where the homes and local services people expect are built, not whether they are built at all.”

Chris Baguley, a director at Together, applauded the government’s ambitions but argued more detail around delivery is still needed. This, he argued, includes greater support for SME developers.

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“Angela’s Rayner’s plans for the green belt development and extension into ‘grey belt’ sites may ruffle a few feathers – but it is only through direct action will we ever see the pressures on the UK housing market eased,” said Chris.

“What we want to see in Rayner’s planning ‘framework’ is a specific strategy and a clear framework for SME developers, as these targets can only be achieved with their support, given their ability to provide housing on smaller parcels of brownfield and ‘grey belt’ land.”

Also applauding the government recommitment to the homebuilding targets and planning reform was Brian Berry, CEO at the FMB, despite highlighting certain areas which the government needs to address for its plans to be successful.

“The FMB fully supports the ambitions of the Government in delivering a major increase in the UK’s housebuilding rates,” said Brian.

“However, we have also been clear the goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next five years will simply not be viable without significant steps to tackle the ongoing construction skills crisis; diversify the housing market from a small number of volume housebuilders; and ensure substantial planning reforms are rolled out.”

Brian continued, “the challenge the UK faces in tackling the housing crisis is immense, and it is particularly pleasing to hear the PM re-commit to housing targets, alongside pledging support for new major infrastructure projects. His message of support for planning reform will be welcomed by builders across the country.

Brian noted that the PM’s recommitment to housing targets and pledged support for infrastructure projects were “particularly pleasing”, while support planning reform would be welcomed by builders across the country.

However, he continued, “this must be delivered in a way which benefits and supports the entire construction industry, including SMEs, if they are going to deliver on their aims.

“Local builders stand ready to deliver growth and the FMB looks forward to seeing the plans laid out in the planning and infrastructure bill in the coming months.”