Think tank calls for mayors to be handed control of Network Rail land to deliver 1.2m homes
Summary
Centre for Cities has argued that English cities have significantly lower residential density around rail stations than comparable French and Japanese cities, and that this represents a major opportunity to increase housing supply. It recommends faster transfer of Network Rail land to mayoral city regions, alongside greater use of Mayoral Development Corporations and Mayoral Development Orders to accelerate station-area development.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, the proposals point to a likely increase in station-adjacent regeneration and development activity, which can affect land values, development appraisals and local housing supply. The emphasis on planning acceleration and devolution also signals potential changes in how these sites are brought forward and assessed.
Key points
- Centre for Cities says Britain’s 12 largest cities have 1.2m fewer homes around stations than comparable global cities.
- The think tank wants a fast-track transfer of Network Rail land to mayoral city regions.
- Mayoral Development Corporations and Mayoral Development Orders are proposed to speed up regeneration and reduce planning delays.
- London and Manchester are highlighted as having capacity for substantial additional homes near stations.
- Liverpool City Region’s mayor has expressed support for greater control over station land.
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