The government has launched a call for evidence on 'brownfield passports', to look at how to accelerate building in urban areas.

As part of its “brownfield first” approach to development, it has announced plans to support and expedite approval of urban sites, such as car parks.

As signalled in the National Planning Policy Framework consultation announced in August, the government is taking further steps toward the introduction of an effective brownfield passport to ensure where proposals meet design and quality standards, the default answer is yes.

A call for evidence is being launched on options to further increase certainty in relation to brownfield development.

These will include proposals that provide far greater clarity as to the principle, scale, and form of brownfield development with a view to lowering the risk, cost and uncertainty associated with securing planning permissions.

The options will then be discussed with key stakeholders, before specific proposals are consulted on, and any new policies implemented.

The new paper - Planning Reform Working Paper: Brownfield Passport - invites views on further action the government could take through the planning system to support the development of brownfield land in urban areas.

As part of its ambition to deliver 1.5 million homes this parliament, the government has already taken steps to deliver on its brownfield first approach through the NPPF consultation, setting out changes to clarify brownfield development is acceptable in principle.

The consultation closes on 24 September.