Proposals to enable untapped land near commuter transport hubs to be unlocked for new housing have been given a cautious welcome.
Ahead of the chancellor’s speech next week on economic growth, the government announced planning reforms to expedite its promise to deliver 1.5million new homes over the five-year parliamentary term and in turn generate economic growth.
The reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will take an axe to red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects. The government’s aim is to create secure, high-paying jobs and deliver major infrastructure faster to bolster public services and lower bills.
It means the default answer to development proposals for schemes in key areas of transport hubs will be “yes”.
The government says this will unlock more housing “at a greater density in areas central to local communities” and these measures will “transform communities”.
It says the proposals will mean “looking again at the input from expert bodies who developers are required to consult – and replacing the current systems of environmental assessment to deliver a more effective and streamlined system that reduces costs and delays for developers, whilst still protecting the environment”.
Sheldon Bosley Knight’s associate director and head of planning and architecture Natasha Blackmore da Silva said she hoped a careful balance could be struck.
She said: “As a planner, I am of course, hopeful Rachel Reeves’ approach to ‘cutting tape’ for developers will positively impact housing delivery by accelerating processes and attracting investment.
“However, at this stage I remain sceptical it will be a silver bullet remedy it is being heralded as.
“A careful balance must be struck to ensure quality, sustainability and affordability are not compromised.
“Thoughtful reforms that streamline planning while safeguarding community and environmental priorities will determine whether this is a positive step forward.”
Sheldon Bosley Knight’s associate director Nik Kyriacou said: “As long as the government strikes a balance between opening up the correct land while preserving others, this is a very good step forward to delivering more housing which the country is in dire need of.
“It will also help landowners and farmers diversify their business while from a new homes perspective, it will give SME housebuilders supply to grow their businesses and create more options for bespoke builds.”
