UK Planning Rules Relaxed to Encourage Urban Housing Development

In a move intended to boost the availability of housing in city centres, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove has announced a relaxation of planning rules in England. The proposed changes are aimed at making it easier for developers to convert vacant retail spaces and betting shops into flats and houses.

However, critics argue that such conversions often result in substandard housing. Despite these concerns, Chancellor Rishi Sunak insists that his party is on track to meet its pledge of building one million homes before the next election, expected in 2024.

 

While ministers appear to be on target to deliver the one million homes goal, doubts exist regarding their ability to meet another commitment: delivering 300,000 new homes every year by the mid-2020s. This target became more challenging after the government reduced housing goals for local councils in response to opposition from its own MPs, many representing rural constituencies.

 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has assured that his government will avoid "concreting over the countryside," opting instead to build homes where they are most needed and supported, primarily in the heart of Britain's major cities.

 

David Pett, Director with leading conveyancing provider MJP Conveyancing, expressed his thoughts on the matter. He stated, "As a conveyancing professional, I see both opportunities and challenges in this new policy. The conversion of empty retail and commercial properties into residential units could indeed address the housing shortage in city centres. However, it's crucial to ensure that these conversions result in quality homes. Poorly executed conversions could lead to legal complications down the line, and more importantly, they could compromise the living conditions of residents. It's also worth noting that planning and executing these conversions will require significant resources from local planning authorities, hence the need for adequate training and funding. All in all, while this policy could be a step in the right direction, its success will depend on careful implementation and oversight."

 

Labour's Shadow Housing Secretary Lisa Nandy criticized the Tories for making additional promises when the housing crisis has worsened under their watch.

 

As part of his plan, Mr. Gove intends to simplify the process of converting shops, takeaways, and betting shops into homes. However, the Local Government Association warns that these commercial properties may not be suitable for housing, potentially leading to the creation of poor-quality homes.

 

To expedite major developments, the government plans to invest £24m in training planning authorities. Half of this funding is newly allocated, while the remaining half will come from the department's existing budget.

 

Nevertheless, the proposed plans have already drawn criticism from within the government's own ranks. Conservative MP for South Cambridgeshire Anthony Browne vowed to oppose the government's plans for mass house building in Cambridge, citing environmental concerns.

 

The issue of increasing housing supply remains complex for the government. While there is significant demand for housing, especially among younger voters struggling to enter the property market, new housing developments have proven unpopular in Conservative strongholds.

 

Housing associations represented by the National Housing Federation have described Mr. Gove's policies as "a positive start" but lacking in the scale or ambition required. Similarly, housing charity Shelter commended Mr. Gove for his willingness to build, but cautioned against the potential creation of "poor quality, unsafe homes" through the conversion of takeaways into residential spaces.

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