On Wednesday 7 May, the Environmental Audit Committee will
question housing developers on how plans to build new homes can
be delivered without undermining environmental goals.
The Committee is running an inquiry into environmental
sustainability and housing growth, exploring how the Government
is balancing its plans to “back the builders, not the blockers”
with its environmental objectives.
Witnesses will include representatives from major housebuilders
such as Berkeley as well as those focused on smaller markets.
Another panel will see MPs hear from a representative of
Nansledan, a sustainable housing development owned by the Duchy
of Cornwall.
MPs are likely to ask witnesses for their views on the
Government's planning reforms, whether there is a trade-off
between house building and nature, and who or what constitute the
main blockages to building more homes.
They may also ask the witnesses for their views on the perception
that developers delay housebuilding once planning permission is
received, in order to maximise the value of the land.
Amid the Government's proposal for a new Nature Restoration Fund,
MPs are also likely to ask about the future of policies like
Biodiversity Net Gain, aimed at balancing house building with
nature, as well as nutrient neutrality rules.
Witnesses
From 14.30:
- Ben Murphy, Estate Director, Duchy of Cornwall
From 15.00:
-
, Founder, Citu
- Ashley Spearing, Managing Director of Development and
Regeneration, Berkeley Group
- Kenny Duncan, Managing Director of Strategic Land, Crest
Nicholson
