The Government outlines measures aimed at dramatically increasing housing provision
Posted 01.08.24
GOV.UK: Further reading
The Government has announced an overhaul of the planning system that will see new mandatory house building targets for councils. The new targets will mean councils must boost housebuilding in areas most in need.
To help deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, councils will have to review their green belt land if needed to meet their own target, identifying and prioritising 'grey belt' land, which the government has now set out a definition for. This includes land on the edge of existing settlements or roads, as well as old petrol stations and car parks.
Land released in the Green Belt will be subject to the government’s 'golden rules', which make clear that development should deliver 50% affordable homes, increase access to green spaces and put the necessary infrastructure is in place, such as schools and GP surgeries.
The new system will ensure every area must have local housing plans - with government ready to take the tough decisions to step in if areas fall off track
In addition to these reforms to the planning system, the government is also taking steps to deliver quality affordable and social housing, working to reverse the continued decline in the number of social rent homes. This includes changes to Right to Buy, giving councils flexibility to use their receipts to build and buy more social homes.
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