Last week, Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for the newly named Housing Communities and Local Government Ministry, delivered an address in Parliament during King’s Speech debate on Planning, the Green Belt, and Rural Affairs. Rayner outlined the government's plans to tackle the housing crisis and emphasised specific actions and reforms aimed at meeting the country's housing needs over the next five years.
What can we Expect?
Rayner stressed the government’s shift from mere promises to tangible actions. With a solid mandate from the electorate, the focus is on "getting Britain building" and enhancing the quality of life across the nation, marking a departure from previous years of stagnation and unmet housing goals.
Unblocking the Planning System: One of the government's primary initiatives is to unblock the planning system. Rayner announced the formation of a new taskforce dedicated to accelerating progress on stalled housing projects. This effort aims to facilitate the construction of over 14,000 homes from just four initial sites, addressing the chronic housing shortage.
Comprehensive Housing Policy Reform: Rayner acknowledged the past failures in meeting housing targets and committed to a thorough overhaul of the planning system. This reform aims to meet ambitious housing goals and ensure the provision of necessary infrastructure. The government is set to launch the most significant wave of social and affordable housing in a generation.
Local Input and Quality Emphasis: Rayner emphasised the importance of “more local plans, and more engagement with local leaders, so that we can build the houses that people want in their areas, working together with them". The goal is “is not to build big, but to build well” with adequate infrastructure, public services, and green spaces. This approach ensures that new developments are sustainable and meet community needs.
Focus on Social and Affordable Housing: A significant highlight of Rayner’s speech was the commitment to increasing social and affordable housing. This initiative aims to address the housing crisis by providing accessible options for all demographics, ensuring homes are available when needed and affordable when desired.
Brownfield and Grey-Belt Development: Rayner emphasised the priority of developing brownfield land first, she stated that “previously used land will be developed first wherever possible, and those sites will be fast-tracked”. However, she acknowledged that brownfield development alone won't suffice, and plans include releasing “lower-quality grey-belt sites, disused car parks and garages, and ugly wasteland to meet the needs of 2024”, guided by stringent standards.
New Towns and Updated Policies: The government plans to introduce a new generation of towns designed with safety, beauty, and sustainability in mind. These new towns will adhere to high standards, including 40% genuinely affordable housing, with a priority on homes for social rent.
Additionally, Rayner committed to “reverse the damaging changes that the previous Government made” to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and updating it by the end of July. This reform, alongside changes to compulsory purchase laws and support for land assembly, aims to facilitate necessary infrastructure development, including new grid connections, roads, railways, and reservoirs.
Angela Rayner’s speech marks a pivotal moment for planning and infrastructure in the UK. With clear commitments and a series of actionable steps, the government is poised to address long-standing issues in the housing sector. For planning consultancies, this represents a time of significant opportunity and responsibility. By aligning with the government's vision and embracing new, community-focused planning paradigms, the sector can play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for housing in the UK.
To read the full transcript of Angela Rayner’s speech, click here.
Stay tuned for the latest planning policy updates, including expected changes to the NPPF in the coming weeks.
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 The Planning and Infrastructure Bill measures, 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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