HBF Reponse to Planning Green Paper
Planning Green Paper A Response
Following the Government launch of the Planning Green Paper today, which was hailed as the biggest shake-up in the planning system for more than half a century, Pierre Williams, spokesman for the HBF, said:
The stripping away of time consuming, costly and confusing tiers of bureaucracy should be welcomed by both developers and communities.
There needs to be improved dialogue between all those involved in the planning process and this Paper gives them that opportunity.
Developers want to provide the right kind of well designed housing that communities both need and want. Recent surveys show more housebuyers choosing to buy new homes because style, design and quality are all improving. By enabling closer liaison between community and developer this Paper seeks to further this process.
Too much opposition in the past has been based on mistrust engendered by the complication of the planning process.
We also welcome the renewed emphasis on regional strategies to ensure that the pressing need for housing is put into action. Many areas need more housing to ensure they remain economically and socially viable. It is the under-supply of housing that has created problems of affordability resulting in the break up of communities.
It is however unfortunate that revision of planning gain (S106 agreements) was not launched as an integral part of the Green Paper. With developers providing affordable housing and other infrastructure as a condition of gaining planning permission, it is important for all concerned to be aware of these benefits when discussing the pros and cons of any proposed development.