Ministers consider ‘brownfield passport’ to speed up urban development

However, the department said it is not “considering the granting of automatic planning permission on suitable brownfield sites or removing appropriate local oversight of the development control process”.

The government said the move is part of its “brownfield-first” approach to development, which has been laid out in its planning proposals.

MHCLG added: “We see these potential changes as a form of ‘brownfield passport’: setting clear parameters which, if met, serve as accepted markers of suitability, with approval becoming the default and a swifter outcome.”

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, welcomed the proposals.

“This is an important consultation exercise,” she said. “Brownfield development is complex and the ‘passports’ concept represents a huge opportunity to support the government’s ambitions for more housing and growth, whilst at the same time breathing new life into our towns and cities.

“Making use of existing land and infrastructure also makes perfect sense in a world where sustainability is vital.”

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

“We are keen to gather views on the proposals suggested here, before deciding whether and how they should be worked up in more detail,” the policy paper said.