Implementation of an ambitious housing policy

Labour’s presidential victory provided the new government with the political capital to push through the ambitious housing policies outlined in its manifesto

As we enter a new political era, it is incredibly refreshing to see a renewed sense of optimism across the industry, combined with a belief that we can take significant steps towards solving the housing crisis with the ambitious housing policies promised by the new Labour government.

One of the key promises made by Labour is to deliver 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament. The new chancellor, Rachel Reeves, was quick to confirm this commitment in a speech to business leaders just days after her election victory. Delivering this number of homes, especially given the significant backlog in the system, is an ambitious target, but it is absolutely necessary if we are to tackle the housing shortage that is driving up prices and making it difficult for many people to afford a home. The government is clearly planning to make the most of this opportunity to address the crisis and boost growth.

National Planning Policy Framework

In her first speech to business leaders since being elected, Rachel Reeves also pledged to restore the NPPF to its pre-December 2023 status. She said the government would reform the policy framework by launching consultation on a new growth-focused approach before the end of July. This would include reinstating mandatory housing targets and requiring all local planning authorities to have an up-to-date local plan.

Local authority resources

Local authorities have been struggling with a woeful shortage of resources for many years, which has caused delays both in submitting planning applications and in addressing some of the boundary issues such as nutrient neutrality and phosphate contamination. A well-funded and resourced planning system is crucial to ensuring that new homes are delivered efficiently and in the right locations.

The Government has committed to providing 300 additional planning officers, but as this represents less than one new member of staff per planning authority, this action will only go part of the way. And while we support this, we believe that even greater investment in local planning authorities is needed, which is crucial to ensuring the necessary resources are in place to deliver the new and ambitious housing targets.

Decision-making powers

Ministers’ commitment to directly intervene in planning decisions sends a strong signal to local authorities that development benefits will be important, material factors in determining development proposals. This will be a key short-term measure to drive development forward. The renewal of planning appeals in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire this weekend shows the Government’s willingness to intervene where necessary to push through important projects.

In addition, the Chancellor’s directive for the Secretary of State to communicate with local mayors and the Investment Office underlines the importance of co-ordination and cooperation in achieving successful planning outcomes. This is very welcome and will help to ensure that the investment opportunities associated with planning decisions are brought to the attention of key decision-makers – and a proactive approach is taken in promoting economic growth.

However, the real challenge lies in implementing these changes at local planning authority level. While government directives and Secretary of State interventions can help inform decision-making, the success of these initiatives will ultimately depend on effective coordination and cooperation at local level. Councils will play a key role in translating national priorities into action on the ground that will deliver tangible results.

Local plans

It is important that local planning authorities understand what is expected of them in terms of having a Local Plan, Green Belt boundary reviews and prioritising brownfield and grey belt sites for development. Clear communication from Government, combined with support and resources for local authorities, will be key to ensuring these objectives are achieved in a timely and effective manner.

Green belt/broken area

The focus on brownfield sites and the acceleration of planning permissions for such developments is supported. Brownfield sites should be a priority in addressing the housing crisis and provide opportunities to maximise the use of previously developed land, which is often well served by public transport and infrastructure. It will be important for the Government to publish more detail on how it plans to effectively implement this policy.

The Green Belt Review has always been a politically controversial issue, but one that must be resolved if we are to build the homes we need in the most sustainable locations. Releasing Green Belt land for new homes in locations close to employment centres and transport hubs is key to ensuring that our cities remain vibrant and economically viable. The approach of releasing ‘grey belt’ land is clearly logical, although questions remain about exactly where this land is located and how it is accessed.

New cities

The idea of ​​creating new cities is something the planning and development sector has been calling for for decades, but even with the greatest political will, it will take a long time to make these projects a reality.

Steps in the right direction

In these early days, there is no doubt that the government’s focus on planning as a driver of economic growth is a positive development for the industry. By addressing key issues such as housing delivery, renewable energy development and investment in local planning authorities, the government is taking steps in the right direction. The challenge now is to ensure that these initiatives are effectively implemented at local level to deliver real outcomes for communities and the economy.