Labour plans to introduce an expert taskforce to select sites and produce a list of projects that will be announced within the first 12 months of government, if Labour are to win the upcoming General Election in July, says Angela Rayner during her keynote speech at UKREiiF in Leeds.
This comes alongside other pledges aiming to “build beautiful new settlements right across the UK” in an attempt to solve the current housing crisis.
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Rayner began her speech by drawing attention to the current landscape of housing and development, asserting that Britain is in the middle of a housing crisis which has resulted in 8.5 million people having an unmet housing need of some proportion. These issues range from children being housed in temporary accommodation such as hostels, an “epidemic of homelessness and rough sleeping” and “couples stuck living with parents”.
Particular attention was paid to the planning system, with Rayner highlighting that fewer than 70,000 planning applications were approved in the last quarter of 2023 – the worst period on record, she claims. It is asserted that this is because under the current government “getting applications over the line can be like swimming through treacle”.
As a result, Labour have devised a plan to deliver new homes. Pledges include:
The re-introduction of local housing targets.
Development to be inspired by garden suburbs like the Garden City project, Roundhay in Leeds and Hale in Manchester.
The creation of a New Towns Code, a criterion that developers must meet in new settlements. This includes more social and affordable homes, with a standard aim of 40%, development designs to fit with the local history, identity and character of the local area, guaranteed public transport and public services and access to green spaces.
Revitalising brownfield first for housebuilding.
Supporting the delivery of housing on specific areas of disused or “ugly” green belt land which will be reclassified as “grey belt”.
Making the Affordable Homes Programme more flexible.
Banning no fault evictions.
Providing first-time buyers with “first dibs” on new developments.
Facilitating a comprehensive mortgage guarantee scheme for first-time buyers.
Ending the leasehold system with root and branch reform.
Supporting housebuilding alongside protecting and enhancing the natural environment was also a notable feature of Rayner’s keynote speech at UKREiiF. This pledge comes alongside the assertion that Britain is presently one of the most nature-depleted nations in the world, with half of UK bird species at risk of extinction and sewage being present in seas and rivers. To address this, Labour proposes the development of new policies for planting trees, restoring habitats and enhancing wildlife alongside meeting housing need.
We at Bluestone Planning invite you to share your opinions and insights on Labour’s pledge to “Get Britain Building Again.” What are your thoughts on the re-introduction of local housing targets? Do you think the use of brownfield first for housebuilding will effectively address the housing crisis?
We welcome your comments below and encourage you to subscribe for more information on how each party’s proposals could impact future planning and development projects.
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