Yesterday the legislation was introduced to Parliament and it’s safe to say industry experts have a lot to say on the matter.
According to the Government, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is designed to streamline the delivery of new homes, critical infrastructure and boost economic growth – a goal needed now more than ever.
The legislation was laid bare in the House of Commons yesterday (Tuesday 11th March) and we reported on the key aspects involved.
Now that experts immersed in the housing/development/construction sector have had chance to sleep on the announcement, it’s evident they have opinions. These can all be found below.
Lawrence Turner, Director of Boyer
‘The Government’s newly proposed Planning & Infrastructure Bill follows on from the ambitions outlined in the NPPF and the Government’s Written Ministerial Statement ‘Building the homes we need.’ The aim of the Bill is to turbocharge housing building and infrastructure delivery.
‘The Government’s response to planning reform has been swift. Since July last year we have seen significant planning reform. We’ve had an ambitious pledge to construct 1.5 million homes before the end of the Parliament; a Written Ministerial Statement that set out an ambition to start building and a promise to intervene where local planning authorities do not deliver; an NPPF and uplifted housing targets, which has reset the dial for the preparation of local plans, the release of Green Belt land and a real presumption in favour of sustainable development.
‘We have the detailed legislative change that is needed to expedite planning decisions on major projects and tackle the long-standing impediments to our planning system. Ultimately this is a drive to promote a renewed era of economic growth, with a boost to the housing market being a key stimulant.
‘Whatever the reason for this renewed vigour, the planning reform we have seen is exactly what the industry has been asking for, for more than a decade. It is essential to tackle the housing crisis, by building more homes and infrastructure far quicker than we have before.
‘The Planning and Infrastructure Bill includes many measures announced during the King’s Speech and recent Government consultations that start to address the housing crisis. The Bill builds upon the ambitious agenda set by the Government’s planning reforms and is crucial for meeting the Government’s target of 1.5 million new homes before the end of the Parliament.
‘Two significant challenges remain: ensuring the development industry has the capacity to construct these 1.5 million homes, including sufficient supplies of bricks, materials, and labour; and effectively communicating the need for more homes to local communities, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Engaging these communities in the narrative is essential to securing genuine support from all our local planning authorities.’
Tom Pike, Director of Planning at Lanpro
‘[Yesterday was] a very significant day for the planning and development sector. The government has put a lot of emphasis on growth to date and I believe the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will fundamentally change our industry for the better. It’s a substantial Bill which covers some key areas which have been overlooked for too long. Our clients – from housebuilders of all sizes to large scale infrastructure providers – will welcome these changes.’
Dinny Shaw, Head of Planning at Places for People
‘[The] announcement on the measures to be included in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill reinforces this Government’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis. Places for People will always support proposals to remove blockages and accelerate decision-making. We hope that through debate, these measures can go further and make an even stronger contribution.
‘The status quo still has too many people unable to access the homes they need. While we will continue to pursue new development opportunities as part of our commitment to support the Government in accelerating their homebuilding programme, the sector needs sustained investment and the right skills to turn this ambition into reality. Legislative reforms must be backed up by a strong commitment in the Spending Review in June.’
Cllr Adam Hug, Housing and Planning Spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA)
‘This Bill has included some of the LGA’s long term asks, such as making it easier for councils to purchase vacant land for house building, localising planning fees, and increasing planning capacity. These will speed up the planning process and ease the building of new homes and necessary infrastructure we need across the country.
‘However, there remains concerns around how it will ensure that councils – who know their areas best and what they need – remain at the heart of the planning process. The democratic role of councillors in decision-making is the backbone of the English planning system, and this should not be diminished. Councils approve nine out of ten planning applications that come before them.’
Hannah Gurga, Director of ABI
‘The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is a pivotal opportunity to fast-track infrastructure projects and unlock investment to drive growth. ABI members are key enablers of the Government’s growth ambition and, through our Investment Delivery Forum, have committed to invest £100 billion in productive assets and infrastructure over the next decade, including in energy and building new homes.
‘We support the Government’s aim to deliver 1.5 million new homes during this parliament. However, it is vital that these homes are not built in areas at risk of flooding and are able to withstand adverse weather. This kind of forward-planning is crucial to protect communities against the effects of climate change. That’s why we will continue to call for these important changes to the UK’s planning and building processes, and for the Government to commit to an annual investment of at least £1 billion a year in flood defences as part of its Spending Review.’
Feature image by Eric Wang via UnSplash
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