Story perspectives

Councils Block Housing Projects, Risk 1.5 Million Home Goal

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Councils in England are resisting government directives to approve planning projects, complicating the target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of the parliamentary term.
Three Rivers District Council rejected a 256-home development despite a ministerial directive.
Ministers plan interventions after the local elections.
A Sky News investigation found councils have incurred over £20 million in costs due to unreasonable planning decisions as the general election approaches.

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Story summary

Councils in England are resisting government directives to approve planning projects, complicating the target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of the parliamentary term.
Three Rivers District Council rejected a 256-home development despite a ministerial directive.
Ministers plan interventions after the local elections.
A Sky News investigation found councils have incurred over £20 million in costs due to unreasonable planning decisions as the general election approaches.