Positive Planning Reforms

The newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, has already announced a revamp of the planning system to “get Britain building again.” Her commitment to reforming the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), restoring mandatory local housing targets and prioritising energy projects within the planning system are all promising steps.

Accelerating Housing Development

We are particularly encouraged by the proposed creation of a new taskforce to address stalled housing sites and the employment of 300 new planning officers in local authorities. These initiatives will be crucial in meeting Labour’s ambitious goal of delivering 1.5 million homes over the next five years. The proposed review of greenbelt boundaries to encourage building on lower quality ‘grey belt’ land is another innovative approach that could unlock new opportunities for development.

Resource Allocation

The allocation of additional planning officers is a step in the right direction, but it must be complemented by sufficient resourcing across all related disciplines, including legal, highways and housing officers. A comprehensive approach to resourcing will be necessary to truly accelerate the planning process and meet development targets.

Flexibility and Responsiveness

We hope the new government will also focus on ensuring the planning system remains flexible and responsive to the needs of developers. By fostering a more streamlined and efficient planning process, we can better respond to market demands and deliver projects that meet the evolving needs of our communities.

As we move forward, we are optimistic about the possibilities that these reforms could bring to the real estate and property development sectors. We are ready to collaborate with the government to achieve these goals and contribute to a robust and sustainable economic recovery.