Planning rules fail to connect homes

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has released a report highlighting the failure of planning rules over the past decade to connect new housing developments to public transport. Despite the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) aiming to prioritise public transport, walking, and cycling, the study found that 96% of new homes were within a 20-minute drive of a town centre, but only 66% were accessible by public transport and 47% by walking. The RTPI is urging ministers to consider changes to the NPPF to improve transport links as part of plans to create 1.5m new homes in the current parliament. Recommendations include increased investment in public transport and disincentives for car use.