The property industry, encompassing agents, surveyors, and large house builders, has expressed strong support for the planning reforms proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. This backing highlights the sector’s optimism about the potential improvements these reforms could bring to housing development and planning processes.
Last week, Rayner initiated an eight-week consultation to discuss several key areas, including the reintroduction of house building targets, the possibility of selective Green Belt development, and a review of certain aspects of the Right to Buy scheme. The outcome of this consultation could pave the way for additional reforms following the summer.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) was quick to endorse the planning reforms introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The organisation’s response highlights its support for the changes and their potential impact on the housing sector.
Justin Young, Chief Executive of RICS, expressed enthusiasm about the reforms, stating, “Introducing localised housing targets will ensure that new developments are focused on areas where they are most needed and are accompanied by the necessary infrastructure. By working closely with local authorities, who have a deep understanding of their communities, these reforms will help realise the Government’s ambitious housing goals. Additionally, this approach is expected to generate employment opportunities and drive economic growth.”
“It’s promising to see that local plans will undergo a review and that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will offer assistance and intervention where needed. This is something we have previously advocated for. Our professionals, who play a crucial role in the built environment—ranging from planning and development to construction and cost management—are ready and well-equipped to support the implementation of these reforms. Their expertise will be essential in advancing these changes effectively.
“We have long supported a review of the Green Belt and are pleased with the introduction of clear guidelines for the Grey Belt. The new system, which involves prioritising development on brownfield sites before considering grey and green areas, is designed to protect important community spaces while facilitating necessary development. This approach aims to strike a balance between preserving valuable land and addressing the need for new housing and infrastructure.”
“Planning reforms are a crucial policy tool for enhancing economic productivity. Legislation that focuses on increasing housing delivery, including affordable housing, has the potential to make a significant impact for those who need it most. By addressing various housing needs across different tenures, these reforms can help improve living conditions and provide more opportunities for individuals and families.
“We are keen to work closely with the Government to ensure that the necessary skills and resources are in place to turn these ambitious goals into reality. We are also looking forward to seeing the details of the long-term housing strategy, which will guide future developments and initiatives.
Similarly, Propertymark, the trade body representing lettings and estate agents, expresses strong support for these reforms. The organisation is eager to collaborate with Rayner to help achieve a well-balanced mix of housing options throughout the next parliamentary term and beyond. This collaborative effort aims to address the diverse housing needs of communities and contribute to sustainable development.”
Nathan Emerson, Chief Executive, comments, “We have consistently advocated for the development of a comprehensive housing strategy that can provide solutions for future generations. It’s encouraging to learn that this will now be a central goal moving forward. Achieving the target of 1.5 million new homes requires a strategy built on thorough insights and executed with precision. This will involve close collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the strategy is effectively implemented and meets its objectives.”
The Home Builders Federation also sees this as a significant opportunity. They recognise that “we are at a pivotal moment where collaboration with the government is crucial to addressing the national housing emergency. It’s essential that we work together to ensure that all areas of the housing market are functioning more effectively and efficiently. By doing so, we can make meaningful progress in resolving the housing issues facing the country.”
It says in return for the government’s commitment to build 1.5m homes, the home building industry commits to:
– Increasing the number of homes delivered: “We aim to boost the delivery of new homes each year during this parliament, with a focus on making housing more affordable for both buyers and renters. We will collaborate with all partners to improve access to affordable and green mortgage options, especially for first-time buyers.”
– Prioritising affordability: “We will work with Registered Providers and Local Authorities, including through planning requirements, to help meet the government’s goal of a significant increase in social and affordable housing. This includes aiming for 50% affordable homes on land released from the Green Belt and 40% affordable housing in new large-scale communities created under the government’s plan for a new generation of towns.”
– Enhancing the quality of new homes and communities: “We will focus on building high-quality, sustainable homes and creating communities with essential facilities like schools, transport links, GP surgeries, and parks. We will also support efforts to improve the experience of purchasing a new-build home.”
– Ensuring home safety: “UK house builders are unique in their support for government efforts to prevent leaseholders from bearing the cost of essential building safety work. This support comes through an industry-specific Corporation Tax surcharge and a significant voluntary financial commitment.”
– Creating future jobs: “Building the homes needed across the country will generate and sustain hundreds of thousands of new jobs and training opportunities.”
– Enhancing productivity and supporting the supply chain: “We will use modern construction methods to speed up housing delivery and boost productivity. This approach will also help expand capacity and encourage innovation in the sector.”
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