Planning reform to unlock new housing developments must not lead to increased congestion and such projects should have “a measurably positive impact on local transport networks” including bus services, according to a group of transport and environmental organisations.
They have written to Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government Baroness Taylor calling for an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to make provision for a new framework to limit the increase in traffic and congestion from new developments.
That should include a tool to identify the best locations for housing developments linked to existing and planned sustainable transport infrastructure. It would include identification of whether additional sustainable transport upgrades and new facilities are necessary beyond the development boundary.
Where developments are projected to increase traffic, developers would have to offset that by financially contributing to public transport initiatives such as enhanced bus and rail services, building on the devolution agenda and reform of bus services, the letter adds.
In welcoming ambitions for 1.5 million new homes in England, the group – which includes the Campaign for Better Transport, the Green Alliance, Greenpeace and the Transport Action Network – note a risk of such work causing “a damaging increase in traffic that will stifle growth, worsen air quality, and drive carbon emissions.”
Greater use of sustainable transport must be integrated into planning reform, the letter to Lady Taylor adds.
“In the last 30 years, new housing has become increasingly car-dependent,” it continues. “Accessing work, education and amenities from many new homes requires car ownership, adding to affordability challenges during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.”
How bus services are provided to new areas of housing has long been a difficult issue. In late 2024, former industry figure Ben Colson noted a “disconnect” between local and national government around planning and transport and called for both of those to be brought together.
Another bus manager added that many developments are built “with absolutely no regard for any form of transport… other than the car.”
At the same time, Transport for New Homes Director Steve Chambers called for change to how Section 106 funds are administered, although he acknowledged that good examples of public transport provision to new developments exist.
Following the letter to Lady Taylor, Green Alliance Head of Climate Policy Nick Davies says that instead of locking new developments into car dependency, “the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill should contain safeguards to prevent congestion” and make sure that those areas “are connected to public transport links and walking and cycling routes.”
