Planning reform may actually happen

March 13, 2020

Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick has set out the Government’s ambitious planning reforms ahead of the planning white paper set to be released in spring.

 

Jenrick set out a number of proposals intended to revive the planning system and get Britain building. Notable announcements included the launch of a brownfield mapping and the proposal for developers to turn disused buildings into homes.

 

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Planning reform has been a long time coming and we’re grateful that it has been taken seriously. As the major rural employers, apprentice trainers and local investors, smaller builders must benefit greatly from reforms and we look forward to working with the Government on ensuring this happens.”

 

The Housing Secretary stated: “We must think boldly and creatively about the planning system to make it fit for the future, and this is just the first step, so we can deliver the homes communities need and help more young people onto the ladder.”

Other announcements included, £400m to regenerate brownfield land, new rules to build upward, greater community and self building, a December 2023 deadline for local plans, a flood risk review and a reform to the new homes bonus which will reward delivery.

Rico Wojtulewicz, head of housing and planning at the House Builders Association (HBA), said: “After five years of asking the Government to build within communities, map brownfield land, digitise planning and ensure actual housing need is being met, these and other announcements prove that the Government is listening to the wider industry. We have a long way to go but this a great first step and welcomed news.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Tenancy fraud costing landlords £266m a month

The latest research from LegalforLandlords reveals that tenancy fraud is costing landlords an estimated £266m a month as 70% of those who fall victim to fraud report being unable to retrieve their losses. LegalforLandlords commissioned a survey of UK landlords* and found that 5% report having been a victim of tenancy fraud. This aligns with…
Read More →
Breaking News

Prime London market activity falls,

The latest market insight from Jefferies London has revealed that the prime London market slowed considerably during the second half of 2025, with average monthly transaction levels falling by 31% compared to the first half of the year. Jefferies London analysed property market transactions across prime London postcodes, looking at the average monthly number of…
Read More →
Home and Living

Demand for wooden furniture remains strong as homeowners rediscover 1960s interiors

Experts reveal how natural materials and timeless design are bringing an overlooked vintage era back into modern homes Search interest in wooden furniture has remained consistently high over the past 12 months, peaking at its highest levels in spring 2025, as homeowners continue to prioritise natural materials and timeless design. Experts say this growing preference…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

UK postcode study identifies where buyers get the most space for their money

New analysis has revealed the best-value postcodes for buyers: One UK town offers FOUR times more space than the national average. The study, compiled by the experts at Sell House Fast, analysed postcodes across England and Wales to identify where buyers get the most space for their money. Where £100,000 buys the most space in…
Read More →
what is happening to house prices
Breaking News

The graduate shortage: who will value Britain’s homes in 2030?

According to RICS, the average qualified surveyor is in their mid-fifties. Couple this with new entrant numbers failing to keep pace with retirements, and the profession faces a critical skills gap at the worst possible time. Ryan Mathews, Managing Director of LRG’s Surveyors division, examines why surveying struggles to attract new talent and what needs…
Read More →
Breaking News

62% of letting agents failing to comply

The latest industry insight from The Letting Partnership has found that while Client Money Protection (CMP) is a legal requirement across the lettings sector, 62% of letting agents are failing to clearly display valid CMP certification on their website, highlighting a growing issue around how compliance is demonstrated to landlords and tenants. The Letting Partnership…
Read More →