In a bold step to tackle the UK's housing shortage, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner announced the launch of the New Homes Accelerator on 29th August, following its unveiling in July by the Chancellor.
This ambitious programme is just one part of a broader push by the government to accelerate housebuilding efforts and deliver on its ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliamentary term.
What is the New Homes Accelerator?
The New Homes Accelerator is a collaborative initiative between various key players in the housing sector, including the government, Homes England, the Greater London Authority, local authorities, developers and landowners. Its primary goal is to identify large-scale housing developments that are delayed and provide the necessary support to get these projects back on track.
Initial analysis points to over 200 stagnant housing sites across the country, all of which already have planning permission. These sites have the potential to deliver up to 300,000 homes, meaning they could make a significant dent in the housing supply crisis if their development is expedited.
How Will the Programme Work?
The New Homes Accelerator will focus on large strategic housing sites that are encountering significant obstacles and delays. In leveraging government resources and working closely with key actors, the New Homes Accelerator is expected to:
Identify Barriers: The programme will pinpoint specific issues causing delays, including regulatory challenges, local authority capacity and coordination failures.
Provide On-the-Ground Support: Expert teams will be deployed to assist local authorities, offering specialised planning knowledge.
Tackle Obstacles: Whether it's regulatory hurdles or administrative roadblocks, the New Homes Accelerator will leverage government resources to accelerate and unblock developments that have slowed down or stalled completely.
Reform Policy: By identifying the most common policy obstacles to timely housing delivery, the programme will also inform future housing and planning policy reforms, ensuring a smoother, faster delivery process going forward.
Call for Sites: Identifying Stalled Developments
As part of the New Homes Accelerator programme, the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) has issued a call for evidence from developers and landowners, encouraging them to identify large-scale housing projects that have been delayed or are facing significant obstacles. This request for information will help the government better understand the scope of the problem and offer targeted assistance where it can make the biggest impact.
Additionally, local authorities will similarly be invited to participate, ensuring that no significant development opportunities are overlooked. The New Homes Accelerator team is already working on projects in Liverpool, Worcester, Northstowe and Sutton Coldfield, with these developments alone set to deliver 14,000 homes.
A Path Forward for Housing in the UK
Executive Director of the Home Builders Federation, David O’Leary, has welcomed the initiative, particularly for its potential to reduce risks for smaller developers. According to O'Leary, the current planning process has not delivered sufficient land and has subsequently hindered housebuilding, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The New Homes Accelerator represents a proactive step towards tackling the UK’s housing crisis head-on. By breaking down barriers and providing targeted support, this programme has the potential to unlock thousands of delayed developments and fast-track the construction of 300,000 homes. As further housing reforms take shape, the New Homes Accelerator is poised to play a crucial role in helping the government reach its ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes, offering a brighter future for communities across the country.
With Parliament now back from its summer break, further announcements on housing and planning reforms are expected. Stay tuned for the latest planning policy updates, including highly anticipated updates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
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At Bluestone Planning, we recognise the pivotal role these reforms will play in shaping development opportunities. If you currently possess land and are uncertain about how to proceed in light of recent changes, we are here to help. Our consultancy offers thorough site reviews that align with the latest national and local policies, presenting both short-term and long-term strategies for your property. Moreover, we can provide expert guidance on how impending government policies may affect your land use plans.
Unlock the full potential of your property and navigate the complexities of planning regulations with confidence. Contact us at Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk.
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