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The government has updated the National Planning Policy Framework to default-approve housing near well-connected transport hubs, with tighter controls for pubs and a push to deliver 1.5 million homes by 2029. The changes include 40% accessibility targets for large developments, stronger infrastructure support, and reduced local consultation in favour of national policy.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has urged reviving unused heritage buildings as a major, non-niche solution to Britain’s housing shortage. A heritage-to-housing scheme and tax incentives could help bring old buildings back into use, potentially delivering about 670,000 homes by 2029, as ministers face calls for broader VAT relief and better funding and training in heritage crafts.
Public health authorities push for tougher controls on unhealthy food, banning fast-food outlets near schools, cracking down on junk-food advertising, and mandating healthy-food reporting. MPs argue prevention must come before treatment as obesity costs rise and NHS pressures mount. Several reports underline consumer demand for healthier choices and better access to affordable, local food.