Further measures to place local communities at the heart of the
planning system will be set out by the government tomorrow
(Tuesday 6 December), delivering a number
of commitments made by the Prime Minister over the Summer.
The changes will be made alongside the Levelling Up and
Regeneration Bill as it progresses through Parliament and follow
positive engagement with MPs and stakeholders.
The measures strengthen the government’s commitment to building
enough of the right homes in the right places with the right
infrastructure, ensuring the environment is protected and giving
local people a greater say on where and where not to place new
development.
Housing targets remain an important part of the planning system
and the government will consult on how these can better take
account of local density.
Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and
Communities said:
"We have an urgent need in this country to build more homes
so that everyone - whether they aspire to home ownership or not -
can have a high-quality, affordable place to live. But our
planning system is not working as it should.
“If we are to deliver the new homes this country needs, new
development must have the support of local communities. That
requires people to know it will be beautiful, accompanied by the
right infrastructure, approved democratically, that it will
enhance the environment and create proper neighbourhoods.
“These principles have always been key to our reforms and we
are now going further by strengthening our commitment to build
the right homes in the right places and put local people at the
heart of decision-making.
“I’m grateful to colleagues across the House for their hard
work and support to drive forward these much-needed changes to
create a planning system that works for all.”
Responding to requests from MPs, the Secretary of State for
Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has also asked the Competition
and Markets Authority to consider undertaking a market study on
housebuilding. Buying a home is one of the most important
decisions a family takes, with huge financial implications, so
making sure this market is truly competitive and working in the
interests of consumers is of the highest importance.
Many of the measures announced today deliver commitments made by
PM over the summer. Green Belt
protections will be strengthened, with new guidance setting out
that local authorities are not required to review Green Belt to
deliver homes. Brownfield land will be prioritised for
development, with the government launching a review into how such
sites are used.
Alongside measures in the Bill to tackle slow build out by
developers, the government will also consider new financial
penalties for companies failing to deliver housing despite having
planning approval and give councils powers to refuse further
permission across their area.
The Bill already includes power for councils to apply a council
tax premium of up to 100% on empty and second homes in areas. But
given concerns local people are often forced out of the market by
short term lets, the government will go further by
establishing a registration scheme for these properties.
The government will also consult on whether planning permission
should be required for new short term lets, especially in tourist
hotspots.
The government will ensure valued landscapes, such as National
Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the green belt,
remain protected through robust national and local planning
policies.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will continue its
passage through Parliament shortly.
