Councils will have a legal duty to make decisions on new schools and hospitals within 10 weeks under reforms to the planning system.

Housing secretary, Robert Jenrick, has outlined plans for a new fast track for public service buildings including schools, colleges, universities, prisons and hospitals.

Under the reforms, it will also be easier to convert businesses premises into new homes to give high streets a new lease of life.

Jenrick said: 'The new fast track for public services makes it simpler and quicker to deliver the schools and hospitals we promised to build in our manifesto. We expect these vital buildings to be approved in weeks, not months and are reforming the planning system so it works for the NHS, our schools and other vital public services.

'Like the rest of the planning reforms, these changes will also help to protect and create thousands of jobs in the construction industry.'