The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has issued a warning that achieving the UK government’s ambitious target of 370,000 new homes per year will require a well-defined strategy. Without this, local authorities may struggle to effectively manage the high volume of housing applications.
They say the lack of a plan to help local authorities manage high housing numbers could result in local opposition. In addition, the absence of a clear plan could exacerbate the existing housing crisis, making it even harder to meet the increasing demand for homes across the UK. It is suggested that without proper guidance, local authorities may find it challenging to navigate the complexities of housing delivery.
These comments come as part of the consultation by the government on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). In July the new Labour government launched a consultation into proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system. These changes included the reversal of changes made to the NPPF by the previous government in December 2023, and stated that the development of previously developed land (PDL) should be prioritised but that local planning authorities must review their green belt.
A standard method for calculating housing need intended to support the government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years was also proposed, however the RTPI have said that without a 'clear bridge' between implementing the changes to the NPPF and the introduction of England-wide strategic planning, some local authorities could face unachievable housing targets.
The RTPI recommends that the government provide comprehensive support and guidance to local authorities. This includes establishing frameworks that facilitate better planning and decision-making, ensuring that local authorities can effectively manage housing applications and meet targets.
Chief executive at the RTPI, Victoria Hills, said: “These proposals could create a more effective system that can help build the homes England needs, where they’re needed, and in a sustainable way. However, we must acknowledge their short and medium-term risks, particularly to new housing calculations that may not be achievable in some areas without genuine strategic planning. Planning has been losing trust in the public eye for some time. If the changes are done right, this is our chance to regain that trust.”
The RTPI welcomed the consultation's proposals to roll back the NPPF changes made in 2023 because they felt they enabled some local authorities to avoid planning to meet their housing needs. They also welcome:
