Planning reforms offer fresh hope for more new homes
After years of planning gridlock, the proposed changes in the draft NPPF offer a much-needed boost to building in England.
The proposals with the potential to make the most impact are: the new mandatory housing targets for Local Authorities; the explicit requirement for Green Belt reviews where local housing needs cannot be met; a new definition of ‘grey belt’ land; far greater emphasis on cross-boundary planning and meeting neighbouring authorities’ unmet needs and the requirement that all local authorities must have local housing plans in place.
The UK Government has committed to long-term sustainable growth of the industry to provide a platform for businesses to significantly invest in its people and create an exciting industry for young people to chose to be part of.
We look forward to learning how these changes will play out in the real world, but for now, there are still unanswered questions.
Skills shortage & industry image
- Where will the extra resources come from? 300 new planning officers is less than one extra officer per authority. How can we improve perceptions of our industry?
SME
- How will they be affected? Will they be in a position to take advantage of these changes?
Affordable homes targets
- Is the Government’s aim of delivering more affordable housing, including at least 50% on Green Belt sites, achievable?
- Registered Providers are increasingly disinterested in new s106 opportunities, instead focusing on upgrading their existing stock. Will £450m from the third round of Local Authority Housing Fund bring them back to the table?
Implications for Scottish housing?
- Will the Scottish Government refine its approach to planning and the delivery of new housing? Will they consider scrapping or amending the Housing Bill?
Experienced team of experts
In addition to submitting our response to the NPPF consultation, our team of experts in the delivery and promotion of strategic land and planning look forward to playing their part in “getting Britain building again” by assisting local authorities to review the Green Belt and submitting planning applications for new homes and sustainable communities across the country.
Mac Mic Group have 8,000 plots identified in emerging allocations with a pipeline of 30,000 plots to bring forward.
Photo: Keynsham- we successfully promoted 56.8 acres out of the Green Belt and sold two phases with a further 200 acres being promoted in the emerging Local Plans, which could deliver up to 1,000 new homes and parkland for the people of Bath and North East Somerset.
