Planning reforms are a boost for the construction industry
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says the reforms will streamline the delivery of 1.5 million new homes in England over the next five years, and put ‘builders not blockers first’.
Steve Turner, executive director of the Home Builders Federation, said improving the efficiency of the planning process would help accelerate housing supply.
Lords customers have a vital role
Meanwhile, Lords Merchanting COO Steve Durdant-Hollamby said the reforms would be a boost for the construction industry.
He added: “Our customers are an important part of the efforts to solve the current housing crisis – from large housebuilders to smaller firms and individual trades, and even self-builders.”
“But all too often we’ve heard their concerns at developments being held up in planning. Anything that can speed up the delivery of new homes without compromising safety and sustainability is to be welcomed.”
The planning reforms in a nutshell
Under the latest version of the National Planning Policy Framework, councils will have just 12 weeks to commit to a timetable to provide new homes in their area. Councils will be told to prioritise brownfield sites but also to identify lower-quality green-belt land that could be built on.
And, in an effort to speed up approvals, planning officers will have the power to rubber stamp development proposals without permission from council committees – as long as they comply with local plans and national regulations.
A shortage of construction workers?
While the reforms have been welcomed by the industry, there are concerns that the UK doesn’t have enough construction workers to build the 1.5 million new homes the government has promised.
Steve Durdant-Hollamby added: “It’s important that the industry takes steps to build a larger workforce for this demand.
Here at Lords, we’re delighted to support the Builders Merchants Federation’s pledge to provide opportunities for 15,000 apprentices by 2030.
We’re also right behind charities such as the Construction Youth Trust, which connects young people with employers and opportunities in the construction industry.”
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