Local authorities call for a review of green belt development

The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn.

Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic.

The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year.

A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn. Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region.

Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious.

Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began.