Brian
Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders said: “As
the Chancellor prepares for the Autumn Statement, he faces an enormous
challenge to revive the UK’s economy. Ensuring we have a planning system fit
for purpose is key to the country’s future success, which why overstretched
planning departments need to be protected from any further cuts. Small,
local house builders have had declining output for decades. The last thing they
need is the planning system grinding to a halt as we enter a recession.
“The
government has made it clear it wants greater diversity and quality in housing,
which is what local house builders deliver day in, day out. Unfortunately, they
are currently hamstrung by a painfully slow planning system. The government
must ensure small house builders receive support from local planning teams,
otherwise SME housing delivery will continue to dwindle.”
Adam
Lawrence, founder, London Square, said: “The government needs to address
the planning system which is holding up the supply of new homes.”
Paul
Brocklehurst - chair of LPDF, said: “The planning system isn’t working and
whilst levelling up and regeneration bill measures may come through in the
medium to long term action is required now to strengthen the national planning
policy framework to ensure delivery of land through the system. We need to
ensure planning authorities get on with plan-making and they need to stop
delaying because they think there will be lower numbers expected of them in the
future.
Abstract of an article: https://www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/crest-nicholson-boss-makes-planning-reform-plea-ahead-of-autumn-statement/5120487.article