The Conservative Party launched their election manifesto on Sunday 24th November 2019. Amongst some of the usual planning ‘suspects’ such as greenbelt, new homes and affordable housing, the party has chosen also to pick up on more specific matters such as design, electric charging points and even expecting all new streets to be lined with trees. Starting with the usual planning ‘suspects:’
Following a Community Infrastructure Levy review which began in late 2015, with the findings being published in a report in early 2017, the Government have now made changes to the CIL regulations via The Community Infrastructure Levy (Amendment) (England) (No2) Regulations 2019 implemented on 1st September 2019.
“The Queen’s Speech was made on 14th October 2019 and amongst a myriad of pledges, policies and statements across all areas, The Environment Bill was announced. Suitably vague, and as the Government cannot command a majority (and is still trying to deal with Brexit), no date has been set for a second reading which would begin to turn this statement into legislation.
Yesterday, Esther McVey, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning, told the Evening Standard that property firms would receive planning application fee refunds if councils took too long to determine planning applications.
This means, in her words, that planning departments “are held to account.” In addition, she stated that “we are looking at some of the things we can do to make planning smoother, faster, more effective.”
On Thursday (5th September 2019) the House of Commons was subject of a Backbench debate on the British housebuilding industry.
Called by Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, a background of housing supply, affordability and homelessness was presented to MPs. Thereafter, a detailed expose of the10 housebuilders in the FTSE 350 index was highlighted, concentrating heavily on the 4 housebuilders who are also in the FTSE 100 index. Matters such as landbanks, Chief Executive pay/bonuses, housing completions, and affordable housing provision were discussed.
The House of Commons research team has issued a document to help answer this question. Whilst most in the development industry will be aware of the machinations, suspense and in some cases surprising manner in which planning committees reach their decisions, this document offers a step by step guide to those in this industry and the wider public. In addition, it rolls out many facts and statements such as:
British housebuilding news…
**Latest news**
3rd September – British housebuilding industry – House of Commons debate
With the matter of Brexit appearing to have subsumed all political discourse, I am pleased to report that the House of Commons is still scheduled to debate a motion on the British housebuilding industry this Thursday, 5th September – perhaps MPs will see this debate as welcome respite?
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)
Robert Jenrick MP has replaced James Brokenshire in his role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. The Rt.Hon Esther McVey MP has replaced Kit Malthouse in her role as Minister of State.
