Published: 27/08/2024 By Andrew Tregay
From day one, the new Labour government has been clear that planning is integral to the country's future prosperity. Their manifesto promised ‘reform’ and strengthened policy supporting sustainable development. Within days of taking power, the government began consultations that attempted to do just that. Many proposals are reversing amendments the previous government made over the past 12 months or providing simple clarification. At this stage, it is debatable whether the proposed changes strengthen the ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development; however, there is at least some welcome clarification.One of the most significant changes proposed is the potential increase in housing targets for local authorities. This could substantially increase the number of homes they must deliver, aligning with the government's ambitious objective of delivering 1.5 million homes. This targeted increase creates opportunities for landowners to promote their land in a more permissive policy environment. It also means that local authorities must consider development proposals in the context of the government's clear, permissive stance on new homes.
Given the emotive nature of planning, it is expected that there will be resistance to the proposed increases, especially in areas that were already struggling to deliver enough homes. This resistance will serve as an early test of the government's political strength to ensure that the political will is translated into decisions on the ground, highlighting the challenges the government may face in implementing the new policy. To demonstrate their seriousness, the Deputy Prime Minister wrote to all local authority Leaders in England within days of taking power, outlining the proposed changes and reiterating the expectations for local authorities to contribute to delivering sufficient homes, reassuring the government's commitment to the proposed changes.
Andrew suggests that whilst it is too early to see if these changes will transform planning, a new government has a fresh intent. “The government manifesto gives hope that the system can be more positive and create the homes that are desperately needed. No doubt, there will be a time of flux whilst Local Authorities digest and interpret these changes and adjust to the new regime. However, for the moment, a more permissive policy environment prevails, giving landowners a fresh opportunity to explore their land's development potential and instilling a sense of hope for a positive transformation in planning”.
If you would like to explore the potential for development on your land, please get in touch with Andrew in our Sturminster Newton office on 01258 472244 or our planning experts (below) in your nearest office. If you are going to Dorset County Show next weekend (7&8 September), please do call into our stand to meet our property experts.
Planning and Diversification
