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Angela Rayner is pressing ahead with a major reform to planning rules to make it easier for thousands more homes to be built near Tube and rail stations.
The Housing Secretary published an updated National Planning Policy Framework which includes default approval for new homes within “reasonable walking distance” of well-connected Underground, rail and tram stations.
Reasonable walking distance is defined as 800 metres or around ten minutes.
Developers will also be encouraged to build upwards in the capital and other cities and towns under “minimum density expectations”.
The move to “default yes” for some developments appears at odds with Andy Burnham’s pledge to devolve more power and sparked immediate protests that councils are being stripped of key planning decisions.
But it may be welcomed by many people in the capital desperate to find a home to rent or buy.
Ms Rayner said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work.
“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities.
“That’s how we’ll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country.”
The “default yes” proposal for new homes near transport hubs was announced last November by then Housing Secretary Steve Reed, MP for Streatham and Croydon North, who was sacked from the Cabinet by Mr Burnham.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has already sought to encourage more housing near stations and in town centres, as well as building higher in the city.
But affordable home-building almost ground to a halt in some parts of the capital last year.
