Proposed by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the new powers would allow ministers to prevent applications being rejected by local councils.

According to the MHCLG, some councils are “dragging their feet” with nearly 900 major housing schemes blocked in the past year.

Ministers will be able to issue “holding directions” to stop councils refusing planning permissions whilst they consider using their “call-in” powers. Existing rules mean ministers can only issue holds when councils are set to approve applications.

The NFB is in favour of these measures with CEO Richard Beresford recognising that planning reform would never be a simple issue to fix.

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“The government should be commended on recognising this and taking a proactive approach to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill because it will be an integral piece of legislation in ensuring all projects can be delivered more quickly,” he added.

The amendments, while backed by the government, need to be approved by Parliament in a vote on 20th October 2025. If approved by the House of Lords, it will go back to the Commons.

“Tweaks to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will help deliver the water and grid capacity that projects require to get planning permission,” added Rico Wojtulewicz, head of policy and market insight at the NFB.

“They will stop councils finding loopholes to avoid building homes.

“This is a clear indication that the government understands that ‘Build, baby, build’ is a mantra, not a slogan.”