“There is no other choice. This Labour Party will put planning reform at the very centre of our economic and our political argument”
"The planning system is the single greatest obstacle to our economic success”, making land “costly and inefficiently utilised,” raising the cost of building infrastructure.
"It prevents housing from being built where it is most needed, contributing to ever-higher prices and falling rates of home ownership, constricting the growth of our most productive places. It is time to put an end to prevarication and political short-termism on this question.” Rachel Reeves, Labour's Shadow Chancellor.
As the UK gears up for the upcoming general election on July 4th, planning legislation will be a key area of focus. Labour promise they would deliver a “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of the nationally significant infrastructure regime, updating all National Policy Statements within six months of coming into office. Mandatory local housing targets would be introduced, hundreds of new planners recruited to tackle backlogs, and a new generation of New Towns brought forward together with a number of changes that could significantly impact the planning and development landscape across the country, including both rural and urban areas of the South West.
Here's a look at Labour's approach to planning legislation and what it could mean for residential homeowners, landowners, and developers:
Emphasis on Affordable Housing
One of Labour's primary goals is to address the housing crisis by significantly increasing the availability of affordable housing. They have pledged to build at least 150,000 council and social homes annually within five years. This ambitious target would require substantial changes to planning regulations to expedite approvals and streamline processes for affordable housing projects. Labour plans to reform the planning system to make it easier for local authorities to develop public land for affordable housing, prioritising projects that meet the needs of lower-income families.
Community-Led Development
Labour aims to enhance community involvement in the planning process. They propose giving local communities more power and influence over developments in their areas. This includes revising current planning frameworks to ensure that community-led housing initiatives are supported and that local voices are integral to planning decisions. This approach seeks to create more democratic and locally responsive planning processes, ensuring that developments align with the needs and desires of residents.
Environmental Sustainability
Labour is committed to making environmental sustainability a cornerstone of planning legislation. They plan to enforce stricter environmental standards on new developments, ensuring they contribute to the UK's net-zero goals. This includes mandating higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings, promoting green infrastructure, and protecting green belts from inappropriate development. By embedding sustainability into the planning process, Labour aims to create developments that are not only beneficial to the community but also the environment.
Green Belt Protection
The protection of green belts is another significant aspect of Labour's planning strategy. They have emphasised their commitment to preserving these areas, preventing urban sprawl, and ensuring instead that development is focused on brownfield sites. This policy aims to balance the need for new housing and infrastructure with the necessity to protecting natural landscapes.
In a recent interview Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer said his party was committed to a "brownfield-first" approach but would loosen planning laws and create a new class of "grey belt" land for low-quality green belt areas. This new category will include "poor-quality scrubland, mothballed on the outskirts of town.”
Reforming Planning Laws
Labour plans to undertake a comprehensive review and reform of existing planning laws to remove barriers that currently hinder sustainable and equitable development. This includes simplifying the planning application process, increasing transparency, and reducing bureaucracy. By making planning regulations more efficient and accessible, Labour hopes to accelerate the delivery of essential housing and infrastructure projects.
Supporting Infrastructure Development
To support their housing and environmental goals, Labour plans to invest heavily in infrastructure development. This includes improvements in public transportation, renewable energy projects, and the enhancement of digital infrastructure. By integrating these elements into the planning framework, Labour aims to create holistic and well-connected communities that can support sustainable growth.
New Transformational Policies
Labour's approach to planning legislation is rooted in principles of affordability, community empowerment, environmental sustainability and efficiency. If implemented, these policies could transform the planning landscape.
For land owners, developers, planners, and local authorities, keeping informed about these potential changes will be crucial for navigating the evolving regulatory environment and seizing new opportunities for growth and development.
As we move closer to the election, it will be important to monitor how these proposals are received and adapted. Party manifestos should give us more details and we will update this blog with any new information.
Contact Us
At Salmon Planning Company our team of highly experienced Chartered Planning Consultants and Architects are perfectly positioned to help you navigate the planning system, deliver bespoke architectural solutions and make your project a reality. You can contact us by calling 01749 671500.
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