Commenting on the government's changes to the
housing algorithm and support for brownfield development
announced today, Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE,
the countryside charity, said:
‘We are pleased to see the government is listening and
willing to revise their damaging proposals. Building more
affordable homes on previously developed land in more sustainable
locations is something we‘ve been calling for and is a win-win
scenario for people and nature. But the problems with these
planning proposals run much deeper than the housing algorithm,
which are in need of a complete reboot, not just an update.
Today’s announcement could be the start of a much-needed debate
about how to ensure the right development in the right place
across the whole country.
‘We’re therefore urging Ministers to go further. Shifting
the focus from rural to urban housebuilding and ensuring we make
better use of previously developed land is a good start. Our
analysis has found over one million homes could be built on
brownfield or recycled land, many of which already have planning
permission. Alongside redistribution of housing schemes like the
New Homes Bonus, these changes could be a real stepping stone to
levelling up the country and providing the affordable homes
communities are crying out for.
‘The key test for these changes to the housing algorithm
will be whether they help give local councils the ability to plan
the quality, affordable homes we need, while preventing
unnecessary loss of countryside and green spaces. It’s
time for Ministers to go further and make sure we breathe new
life into our towns and cities, whilst building more affordable
homes and responding to the climate emergency. Only with a
locally-led planning system that encourages input from local
communities will this be achievable.’
