Planning rules hinder tens of thousands of new homes, say developers

The planning system in the UK is preventing tens of thousands of homes from being built each year, according to some of the country's biggest developers. Industry insiders have cited issues including red tape, quasi-bans on development of homes around national parks, and new rules on water and nutrient neutrality. The Home Builders Federation has claimed that up to 45,000 new homes are being rejected each year, equating to 15% of the Government's annual target of 300,000. The federation has also warned that the change to planning policy, which makes local authorities' housebuilding targets "advisory" rather than mandatory, will lead to a fall in building output of 77,000 homes a year. In 2021, 233,000 new homes were built in the UK, but the federation fears this could fall to half that number in future.

The Times (24/04/2023)