The overarching goal of the planning bill is to enhance the planning process by empowering local authorities and mayors, thereby accelerating housebuilding and minimizing delays.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has committed to addressing opposition from local groups that use legal challenges to obstruct building projects, fostering a more development-friendly environment.

Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister and housing secretary, emphasized that these new powers should be utilized when negotiations to acquire land fail, supporting the delivery of essential housing and infrastructure.

Unlike previous Conservative policies that allowed councils to seek ministerial permission to bypass hope value on a case-by-case basis, Labour's new rule will apply broadly to all relevant situations.

In line with these reforms, Labour has pledged to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of its parliamentary term, acknowledging the significant challenge this target presents.

The Labour government is poised to empower councils and mayors in England and Wales with enhanced authority to seize land for affordable housing, a move aimed at tackling the ongoing housing crisis.

This initiative will be part of a planning and infrastructure bill expected to be introduced in parliament shortly after a public consultation on proposed planning reforms.

Under the new legislation, local authorities will no longer require central government approval for compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), making it easier to acquire vacant and derelict land.

Additionally, councils will be exempt from considering a property's 'hope value' when making CPOs, which will streamline the acquisition process.

The government is encouraging councils to utilize CPOs more effectively to accelerate housing development and infrastructure projects, including schools and hospitals.

For instance, Leicester City Council previously employed CPOs to successfully regenerate its waterside area, leading to the construction of 1,000 homes and significant office space.