I think we are all in agreement that “Nowhere is decisive reform needed more urgently than in the case of our planning system.” Rachel Reeves
So how is this going? Planning reform was one of the key headlines from the Labour Manifesto with the clear intention to grow the economy. We now know further details of some key pledges.
The government with its ambitious housing targets is planning to update the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) and will bring back mandatory housing targets. It is intended that 1.5 million more new homes will be built over the next five years, that equates to 300,00 per annum.
In order to meet the ever-expanding housing needs, local authorities will be expected to look at areas within the green belt, in particular brownfield land and grey fields too.
A brownfield is an area that has been previously developed, the land will have a few buildings already in place with little work needed to accommodate further construction.
Greyfields are areas that have previously been developed but are no longer in use. All these sites must also meet the governments ‘golden rule’ that half of the homes in any such area must be affordable, infrastructure must also be provided to make these areas viable, attractive and liveable.
There’s no requirement for new homes to meet a ‘beauty’ standard, so it seems anything goes!
Kirsty Hammond Publisher of Specifier Review
New towns and communities
Angela Raynor will be setting up a task force that is dedicated to identifying potential sites for building. The intention is for a new generation of towns to emerge. Each to provide large communities of at least 10,000 new homes. 40% of these areas will be affordable.
Does it all feel a little controversial, the more we discuss! Rayner has removed the requirement for new homes to meet a ‘beauty’ standard, so it seems anything goes!
The intention is to overhaul the planning system to boost the speed of house building. Critics could and will argue that this will lead to poor quality homes.
I would question where does this leave our heritage?
'Freedom to buy' mortgages
So if the NPPF pledge is to restore housing targets and favour sustainable developments. Will Labour use the WMS (Written Ministerial statement) and the PPG (Planning Practice Guidance) to allow changes without consultation?
In order for this mix of affordable housing and new build homes to fit the bill, Labour has also pledged to introduce a ‘Freedom to buy’ mortgage. This will be aimed at first time buyers with only small deposits, if affordability is enhanced then so should confidence to build.
Historically known to be a little more progressive the Labour Party has always been an advocate for green values. It will be interesting to see if their commitment continues and they integrate sustainability into their housing policies and how this will influence the construction industry.
Their strategy states that building regulations will be reformed in order to cut carbon emissions from all buildings, new and old. Sustainable materials and renewable technologies will be at the forefront.
Sustainable targets
One stand out headline is the pledge to build 300,000 eco-friendly homes a year, that equates to their total target. The housing surge that we expect to see under a Labour Government could potentially have a catastrophic effect on the race for net zero unless the manifesto is adhered to.
The Government intends to offer tax benefits for construction projects that reach certain sustainable levels, there will be grants for retrofitting and subsidies for the use of eco-friendly materials.
So it seems that 100 days in only time will tell, however clearly the Deputy Prime Minister and the Treasury together are not afraid to upset a few people.
The Government's focused efforts on both construction and sustainability certainly ticks all the boxes, councils will be meeting their housing targets it seems but what will become of the NIMBYS? The proof will be in the building it seems!
Kirsty Hammond is Publisher of Specifier Review
