Only planning policy reform can solve the housing crisis

September 27, 2018

The NFB welcomes the Labour Party’s proposal aiming to future proof the planning system, but would encourage them to commit themselves to tangible policy more quickly.

Building Magazine has reported that the Labour Party will undertake a “root and branch rethink” of the planning system, aiming to give local people a say over what their area will look like in 25 years’ time and future proof the planning system.

A call for evidence will be published on 25 October 2018, followed by a series of regional meetings. Conclusions will feed into Labour’s Housing for The Many Green Paper.

Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, Labour spokesperson on planning, said that the exercise aims to deliver a “system of local plan making that is genuinely democratic” and would cover modern methods of construction (MMC), energy efficiency, developer contributions and the connections between the different tiers of neighbourhood, local, regional and national planning.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) welcomes any proposal aiming to future proof the planning system, but would encourage the Labour party to make the most of this and previous reviews to commit themselves to tangible policy more quickly.

The Labour Party is in a unique position where it could enable some elements of its national ambition locally.

Devolved planning powers already permit local planning authorities (LPA) to encourage more energy efficient homes, support neighbourhood planning, increase the use of MMC, make developer contributions fairer and allocate local sites for housing.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federations of Builders, said: “The opportunity to participate in Labour’s upcoming planning review is very welcome. Planning remains the greatest barrier to growth for SME house builders. Reforming planning is essential to solve the housing crisis.

“The housing supply crisis requires new ideas and tangible policy ambitions. Since the Lyons housing review does not appear much in ‘Housing for the Many’, the housing supply chain would benefit if the Labour Party could commit to planning policy initiatives it would like to see implemented.”

EAN Content

Content shared by this account is either news shared free by third parties or sponsored (paid for) content from third parties. Please be advised that links to third party websites are not endorsed by Estate Agent Networking - Please do your own research before committing to any third party business promoted on our website.

You May Also Enjoy

Home and Living

Eco-Friendly Materials for Sustainable Bathroom Renovations: 2025 Guide

As climate urgency intensifies in 2025, sustainable bathroom renovations have evolved beyond simple green choices to embrace cutting-edge materials, circular design principles, and hyper-local sourcing. Homeowners across Seattle and the Pacific Northwest are increasingly partnering with Seattle’s Premier Bath Renovations company to achieve renovations that not only look stunning but also reduce environmental impact, conserve…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Renting Property: What Tenants Need to Know About Rights & Responsibilities in the UK

Renting a place sounds easy enough, right? You find a house or flat you like, sign the paperwork, hand over your deposit, and move in. Simple. But the truth is, there’s more to it. Whether it’s your first time renting or you’ve been a tenant for years, understanding your rights and responsibilities is key. It…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Latest ONS first-time buyer mortgage sales report – Thoughts from the Industry

Following on from the ONS report where it shows first-time buyer mortgage sales at the lowest level since 2013. Here are some thoughts from the Industry. Toby Leek, President of NAEA Propertymark: “Many first-time buyers are being priced out of cities, especially throughout London where they have grown up or have a desire to nest…
Read More →
Breaking News

First-time buyer mortgage sales at lowest level since 2013

Fewer first-time buyers in England’s most urban areas While the rate of first-time buyer mortgage sales has been falling in London, they have risen in more rural areas. On average, rural areas in England and Wales saw rates of first-time buyer mortgages rise by 9.7% between 2013 and 2023, while urban areas saw a 3.7%…
Read More →
Breaking News

First-time buyer mortgage sales fell across London in decade to 2023

First-time mortgage buyers bought homes further from the capital compared to 10 years earlier, ONS analysis of Financial Conduct Authority data show. Several London boroughs saw some of the largest falls in the rate of first-time buyer mortgage sales in the UK between 2013 and 2023. This is according to ONS analysis of data from…
Read More →
Breaking News

How to Apply for Waopelzumoz088: A Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for what is Waopelzumoz088 might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! This guide will break everything down into simple, easy-to-follow steps so you can complete the process smoothly and without stress. Whether you’re new to it or just need some extra help, we’ve got you covered. What is Waopelzumoz088? Before jumping into the…
Read More →