As of 26 October 2023, new legislation has been enacted to streamline the planning process, hold developers accountable, and enable more councils to support the construction of new homes. This follows the Royal Assent of the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill.
Key Highlights
- Manifesto Commitment: The government aims to deliver one million homes within this parliamentary term, aligning with a long-term housing strategy.
- Levelling-Up and Regeneration Act: Focuses on building homes with added local infrastructure like GP surgeries and schools, based on democratic input. It emphasizes creating vibrant communities.
- Left-Behind Communities: Special measures to boost development in these areas.
Statements from Officials
Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, emphasized the Act’s role in revitalizing communities, streamlining planning, and supporting local democracy.
Community and Economic Impact
- Town Centre Transformation: Councils gain power to repurpose empty buildings for local use, revitalizing high streets.
- Hospitality Boost: Outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants becomes a permanent feature, encouraging business growth.
- Devolution and Investment: Strengthened devolution plans and £12.9 billion invested in levelling up projects aim to rejuvenate job opportunities and transport infrastructure.
Provisions in the Act
- Local Involvement: Simplifies creating local plans and design codes, ensuring developments match community needs.
- Enhanced Services: Developers are required to incorporate necessary infrastructure like schools and clinics.
- Housing Market Adjustments: New powers for councils to increase taxes on vacant homes and reform compensation practices.
- Development Accountability: Communities to receive updates on development progress, and councils can consider build-out rates in planning approvals.
- High Street Revival: Councils can run high street rental auctions to re-animate vacant properties for business and community use.
Environmental and Planning Reforms
- Urban Focus: Prioritizes urban development over countryside expansion, protecting natural landscapes.
- Environmental Assessments: Streamlines processes to align with current environmental needs, reducing outdated EU regulations.
An additional £37.5 million was recently allocated to enhance council staffing, addressing planning backlogs and improving the housing sector’s capabilities. The government’s upcoming response to last year’s National Planning Policy Framework consultation will further clarify housing delivery strategies in England.
Your Next Step
Contact us today for an in-depth consultation! Our team of experts is dedicated to demystifying the planning process and guiding you through each step, ensuring your extension project is both successful and stress-free.