Full Steam Ahead for New Homes in the South West
December 2025
As many will already be aware, the Government has been pushing for an increase in housebuilding across the country. This has led to local planning authorities having their housing targets increased, resulting in a significant number of areas in the South West losing their five-year housing land supplies.
When local authorities lose their five-year housing land supplies, it means that the local planning policies which direct the location of new homes become out of date. This creates greater opportunities for sustainable sites – such as those on the edges of towns and villages with access to services and amenities – to gain planning permission for new homes.
In a bid to help support their target of supplying 1.5 million new homes across the country during this Parliament, the Government has also announced their plan for a significant change in policy regarding development around train and tram stations. Under these new guidelines, housebuilding close to "well connected" train stations will be given a default “yes”. This means that sites within 15 minutes’ walk of these transport links will be encouraged for development and updates to planning rules will mean that they will benefit from presumption in favour of approval.
Additionally, the current Class Q rules allow for up to ten new homes to be delivered in the countryside through the conversion of existing buildings. This approach can be particularly appealing for farm businesses looking to maximise the value prior to a sale, or for those aiming to provide accommodation for family members, holidaymakers, or staff. The potential for rental income can also serve as a valuable resource to diversify revenue streams. Often, the permission to convert barns can be used to secure a consequent consent for the replacement of the barns with new build homes.
As you consider your next steps, bear in mind that there are numerous opportunities for both new and existing sites across the South West.
Discover more about our Development Land and Planning services. For bespoke advice, tailored to your unique circumstances, please contact our dedicated Development Land & Planning team at 01823 334466 | [email protected] or speak with Planning Partner Stephen Baimbridge on 01823 334466 or email [email protected].
When local authorities lose their five-year housing land supplies, it means that the local planning policies which direct the location of new homes become out of date. This creates greater opportunities for sustainable sites – such as those on the edges of towns and villages with access to services and amenities – to gain planning permission for new homes.
In a bid to help support their target of supplying 1.5 million new homes across the country during this Parliament, the Government has also announced their plan for a significant change in policy regarding development around train and tram stations. Under these new guidelines, housebuilding close to "well connected" train stations will be given a default “yes”. This means that sites within 15 minutes’ walk of these transport links will be encouraged for development and updates to planning rules will mean that they will benefit from presumption in favour of approval.
Additionally, the current Class Q rules allow for up to ten new homes to be delivered in the countryside through the conversion of existing buildings. This approach can be particularly appealing for farm businesses looking to maximise the value prior to a sale, or for those aiming to provide accommodation for family members, holidaymakers, or staff. The potential for rental income can also serve as a valuable resource to diversify revenue streams. Often, the permission to convert barns can be used to secure a consequent consent for the replacement of the barns with new build homes.
As you consider your next steps, bear in mind that there are numerous opportunities for both new and existing sites across the South West.
Discover more about our Development Land and Planning services. For bespoke advice, tailored to your unique circumstances, please contact our dedicated Development Land & Planning team at 01823 334466 | [email protected] or speak with Planning Partner Stephen Baimbridge on 01823 334466 or email [email protected].