The government has scrapped the annual 300,000 new homes housing target and published a number of measures to ‘place communities at the heart of the planning system’ as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.
Housing targets are now considered a “starting point”, with new flexibilities introduced to reflect local circumstances. New financial penalties have been proposed for ‘slow developers’ failing to build already approved homes and local authorities have been given the power to promote brownfield development.
The government says the new measures strengthen its commitment to ‘building enough of the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure, ensuring the environment is protected and giving local people a greater say on where and where not to place new development’.
Michael Gove, secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, said: “We have an urgent need in this country to build more homes so that everyone – whether they aspire to home ownership or not – can have a high-quality, affordable place to live. But our planning system is not working as it should.
“If we are to deliver the new homes this country needs, new development must have the support of local communities. That requires people to know it will be beautiful, accompanied by the right infrastructure, approved democratically, that it will enhance the environment and create proper neighbourhoods.
“These principles have always been key to our reforms and we are now going further by strengthening our commitment to build the right homes in the right places and put local people at the heart of decision-making.
“I’m grateful to colleagues across the house for their hard work and support to drive forward these much-needed changes to create a planning system that works for all.”
Gove has also asked the Competition and Markets Authority to consider undertaking a market study on the housebuilding market.
The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will continue its passage through Parliament shortly.
