Rayner increases housing targets as part of NPPF overhaul
The deputy prime minister has launched an eight-week consultation on much-anticipated reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, which include raising annual housing targets to 370,000.
A fresh look at the Green Belt and the promise to deliver the “biggest boost to affordable housing in a generation”, were among the highlights of Angela Rayner’s Commons address.
Increased housing targets
Rayner is targeting the delivery of 370,000 homes a year, 70,000 more than the advisory target set by the previous government and well in excess of the number of new homes expected to be delivered this year – less than 200,000.
“We are in the most acute housing crisis in living memory, there are simply not enough homes,” she said.
Going forward, local housing targets will be mandatory and the method for calculating authorities will change “to reflect the urgency of local supply”.
“We have a housing crisis and a mandate for real change and we all must play our part,” Rayner added.
Reduction in London targets
While some areas will see the number of homes they must deliver increase, London will see a reduction in housing targets, according to Rayner.
In previous years, London has been asked to deliver 100,000 new homes a year. This will be revised to 80,000, which the deputy prime minister said is still “a huge ask”.
Green belt review
Rayner insisted that Labour will take a brownfield-first approach but confirmed, as expected, that she would be asking councils to review their Green Belt in a bid to make the system “work for the 21st century”.
The aim of the review is to unlock poor quality Green Belt, termed grey belt, for housing. Development on this land will require a 50% affordable provision, with a focus on social rent, as one of Labour’s ‘golden rules’ Rayner said.
As well as reviewing Green Belt, Rayner has warned local authorities to get their local plans up to date or risk being vulnerable to development by appeal. Only one-third of councils have an adopted local plan drawn up in the last five years.
If councils fail to comply the government could intervene, Rayner warned.
Affordable aims
Rayner has promised a “council house revolution”, insisting that boosting the delivery of affordable homes is vital if Labour is to hit its 1.5m, five-year housing target.
To do this, the secretary of state promised more flexibility in the affordable housing programme to unlock the delivery of more homes and provide “the biggest boost to social and aff housing in a generation”.
She also teased further reforms in this space, including around rent stability and Right to Buy.
A planning and infrastructure bill to make planning committees more effective is coming down the track, while Rayner also promised to “streamline delivery of critical infrastructure”.
“Today marks a significant step to getting Britain building again,” Rayner said.
“Our decisive reforms to the planning system correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5m homes for those who really need them.”
This story is being continually updated
Seems like excellent stuff. Tories claim to be the party of the economy but they’ve had their foot on the property market’s throat for years. Labour recognise that enabling the property sector to grow will lead to growth. Good to have adults back in charge.
By Anonymous
Walking to the station in Rochdale this morning, is saw brownfield sites which have planning or at least plans for 1,000+ homes, what they look to really struggle with though is viability. Huge regeneration potential as well if the quality is right. These sorts of sites need support, including around affordable. Need to see it as an investment.
By Nick Barton
Agree with @Nick Barton, they need to focus on all the currently vacant plots that need some assistance in being developed first. All towns and cities in the NW have multiple sites which could easily take thousands of new homes in all forms, towers, low rise, town houses and semi/detached. This would dramatically help the housing crisis and regenerate and bring back those lost forgotten areas, with well supported public transport and infrastructure it would transform the NW and reduce the impact on the green belt.
By GetItBuilt!
Agree with Nick Barton’s comment from 9:28 – LPA’s should be conducting assessment of sites which have permissions but haven’t moved forward to see what help could be given to allow the development to move forward.
By Bradford
“Help” for sites – government money then?
By Anonymous
Are we really addressing this housing crisis though? 2 new estates have been built near me and walking through them it seems to be way over half have been brought by Chinese families. How will this solve the housing issue if houses are sold to people who have been in the country less than 5 years?? I recognise the need for a level of immigration in many sectors but is this also about councils raising additional council tax payees to make up for shortfalls. If the housing crisis is as bad as reported why aren’t there restrictions on who we allow to buy new builds ie existing residents who are for whatever reason unable to buy homes. Also allowing people to buy 2nd homes takes from housing stock but I’d rarely mentioned. Please excuse any ignorance of mine on this matter and feel free to enlighten me if these issues aren’t genuine
By Anonymous