Planning reform loosens the shackles, but we need to get it right
It was great to read the latest proposed amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which appeared in the media over the past few days.
The aim here is to slash planning red tape and remove blockers to development. This is off the back of several government announcements including naming 12 proposed locations for new towns to chime with the new secretary of state’s ‘build, baby, build!’ mantra.
It’s churlish not to welcome this, and many across the industry have already. After years of sluggish planning approvals, and mounting frustrations, the promise of fewer bottlenecks is a breath of fresh air.
We need to make sure we’re building more homes, of course. However, we need to make sure we’re bringing forward better homes and places that include things that communities need. Like energy-efficient homes that are cheaper to run, key infrastructure, amenities, and public spaces, too.
Delivering at pace, or delivering right?
The temptation to chase numbers – 1.5m homes in this parliamentary term, and the projected £7.5bn economic uplift is real.
Yet, we won’t be thanked for crappy development that becomes obsolete long before the ribbons are cut on a project’s completion.
Poorly designed, hastily built development risks undermining public confidence. So, while cutting delays is important, we must take care not to further erode trust from communities… as we all lose something in the process.
A moment of opportunity
The proposed amendments could help reshape the landscape for our industry. But the industry has a long-standing trust problem that won’t be helped by rushing through sub-standard projects. Communities are watching.
Trust is earned, and many people feel that regeneration is a fait accompli that’s imposed upon them. The truth is that we need to collaborate to deliver places that mean something to them. This is where proper engagement comes in, and that’s how we roll at Distinctive.
We have a generational opportunity to work together to create homes that are liveable and less expensive in this deepening cost of living crisis, with resilient infrastructure and places that enhance people’s lives.
So, while we welcome the reforms and embrace the chance to build smarter, greener, and better, to benefit everyone. The public will not thank us if we blow it.
Read the government’s announcement here.
Photo in header is from the HM Treasury flickr account.
Written by
Share
Latest news & insights
Inspiring news, insights and comments from our Distinctive team.
