‘Planning passports’ that automatically approve high-quality new homes will be a game-changer, says Keir Starmer

A radical scheme to speed up the building of more apartment blocks in towns and cities – as opposed to individual houses and bungalows – has been announced by the prime minister on the eve of the Labour party conference.

Keir Starmer told the Observer in an exclusive interview that the new system of “planning passports” would be a “game-changer” as the government strives to build 1.5m new homes within five years.

Under the scheme, any proposal that meets high standards for design and quality will be speeded through the planning process with the default decision for planning authorities being “yes”.

As one of Labour’s first acts in government Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, announced the return of compulsory housebuilding targets.

Although the Conservatives brought in such targets for local authorities in 2019, they watered them down in December 2023 when the then communities secretary Michael Gove published a new National Planning Policy Framework.

Government sources said the idea was not to build more tower blocks, but rather quality multi-dwelling buildings. This, they said, would mean “fewer bungalows in Bermondsey or Birmingham and more densification in UK cities from Leeds to Liverpool”.

Starmer said ministers had held extensive discussions with developers since Labour came to power. “They’re very pleased to see these plans. They want to get on with it. We are absolutely determined to deliver.”

Labour is emphasising the need for cities both to “grow out” by releasing more “grey belt” land, but also to “densify” within their existing boundaries with brownfield areas coming first, and grey belt second.

A source said: “Only by building denser cities can we drive growth and prosperity across the country, because denser cities mean people are closer to work, have better transport infrastructure, and business has the widest talent pool.”

Starmer will try to use his conference speech on Tuesday to spell out his vision of what a Labour government can deliver in terms of improved public services, more housing and a dynamic economy.

An official added: “This work cannot be delivered effectively by central government alone. That’s why this Labour government will continue to work hand in glove with mayors, local government leaders and developers to deliver the homes people need, a partnership based on collective responsibility and mutual accountability to deliver the change working people voted for.”