Weekly planning news

Updated design guidance announced for new homes

The government has published updated national design guidance¹ to raise standards across new housing developments in England, focusing on well-designed, climate-resilient communities that support healthier, more connected living.

Released on 21 January 2026 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the guidance forms part of wider planning reforms aimed at speeding up decision-making and delivering 1.5 million high-quality homes.

The framework sets clear expectations for councils and developers, including better access to local amenities, safer transport connections, flexible home layouts, and stronger measures to tackle climate risks. New developments will be encouraged to reduce flood risk, prevent overheating, and include green spaces, renewable energy features, EV charging points, and biodiversity-friendly design.

Now in its second iteration, the guidance outlines seven principles for well-designed places, covering liveability, climate resilience, nature, movement, built form, public space and local identity.

To support consistent design quality, the government will introduce model design codes later this year, alongside local authority-led design standards. The draft guidance is open for public consultation until 10 March 2026.

You can find out more here.²

Building Safety Regulator becomes standalone body

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR), originally launched in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, formerly operated within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Following a recent transition, it has now become an arm’s-length body under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This move signals a renewed commitment to prioritising safety; placing residents at the heart of building safety regulation and raising standards across the built environment.

The BSR’s full powers were introduced through the Building Safety Act 2022, with the transition forming part of an operational reset designed to improve efficiency and strengthen its role as the building control authority for higher-risk buildings.

Going forward, the regulator will focus on promoting competence, improving regulatory guidance, and driving cultural change across the construction sector, with the long-term ambition of creating a more coherent and effective regulatory system.

The government is also currently seeking views on proposals for wider regulatory reform, including the development of a single construction regulator.³

Find out more about the updates here. ⁴

New wave of funding to support social and affordable housing

The government has announced a new package of funding and reforms aimed at accelerating the delivery of social and affordable homes, while improving living standards for millions of tenants.

At the centre of the update is a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, with bidding opening next month, which is expected to deliver around 300,000 new homes over its lifetime - with at least 60% designated for social rent.

To help councils and housing associations build faster, the government is introducing new financial support measures, including low-interest loans, extended borrowing discounts, and fewer administrative barriers for council housebuilding. Smaller councils will now be able to build up to 1,000 homes without needing to set up a separate Housing Revenue Account, removing costs that previously slowed development.

Alongside boosting supply, the government is overhauling housing quality standards. A new Decent Homes Standard will require social landlords - and, for the first time, private landlords - to ensure homes are free from damp and disrepair, well insulated, and energy efficient. From 2030, social housing providers will also be required to meet higher energy efficiency standards, potentially including better insulation, solar panels, and modern heating systems, helping to cut energy bills for tenants.

The government is also taking action to unlock affordable homes delivered through Section 106 agreements, introducing short-term measures to prevent properties being left unsold and working on longer-term reforms to simplify the process and improve financial capacity across the sector.

You can find out more on the government's website.⁵

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-design-guidance-to-raise-the-bar-for-new-build-developments
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-design-guidance-to-raise-the-bar-for-new-build-developments
3. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/single-construction-regulator-prospectus
4. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bsr-becomes-standalone-body-in-landmark-step-towards-single-construction-regulator
5. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-more-families-to-get-warm-secure-social-homes