The Queen’s Speech has included details on a Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill which will include legislation on planning and regeneration reform.
Deputising for the Queen Prince Charles said the Government would “level up opportunity in all parts of the country” and that “a Bill will be brought forward to drive local growth, empowering local leaders to regenerate their areas, and ensuring everyone can share in the United Kingdom’s success.”
He added that the planning system would “be reformed to give residents more involvement in local development”. in a Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill
Over the weekend Housing Secretary Michael Gove said in a newspaper interview that “we will make sure that through local democratic ballots, sometimes street by street, we can have the enhancement that we need to see the additional homes being built.”
Paresh Raja, CEO, Market Financial Solutions, said: “Will they, won’t they – that was the big question surrounding the Planning Bill ahead of today’s Queen’s Speech.
“It is certainly positive to hear it mentioned, with the policy seemingly dragged back out of the proverbial long grass, into which it was kicked last year. As ever, the devil will be in the detail, but stating that “the planning system will be reformed” is a start at least.
“Let’s start with the obvious fact: the UK needs more housing, and fast. To achieve this, we need to make it easier to build more new homes and, crucially, also convert disused commercial properties into residential ones.
“Tabling the Planning Bill is a vital first step in hopefully addressing the red tape that prevents the delivery of new homes.
“Question marks hang over the purported decision to give local leaders more power to revitalise high streets, which was hinted at.
“It sounds promising, but the policy could miss the mark a little. Landlords seldom want their properties to sit empty – really the question whether there is viable demand from businesses to rent shops and offices, and at a price that ensures landlords can cover their costs.
“The continued efforts to raise standards in the private rental sector and protect tenants’ right is welcomed. It will be interesting to see how this takes shape.”
Jamie Johnson, CEO, FJP Investment, added: “It’s encouraging that today’s Queen’s Speech has signalled a renewed effort in favour of tackling geographic inequality across the UK as part of the forthcoming levelling-up and regeneration bill.
“In the face of the current pressing economic, social and environmental challenges, now more than ever, it is crucial that housing is put at the forefront of the government’s agenda and while a root and branch shake-up of the planning system is still required, the reforms referenced today are a step in the right direction towards increasing the number of homes that this country so desperately needs.”
David Mathias, planning partner at Shoosmiths, concluded: “The UK is facing a chronic shortage of new housing. Any aim to reform the planning system has to be seen through the lens of historic undersupply.
“Today’s announcement could see the demise of Section 106 agreements as we know them. While not without its flaws, the existing system allows for flexibility and certainty of delivery, especially on non-financial planning obligations, such as those securing affordable housing delivery.
“The new locally set, non-negotiable levy must enable swift decision making that offers flexibility and certainty if it is to succeed. Local authorities and their planning departments must also be provided with the resources to manage the levy and ensure that obligations are delivered.
“We have to make sure the planning system is working efficiently – enabling local authorities and developers to bring forward the scale and mixed-tenures of housing the UK needs, with the accompanying infrastructure and community facilities that will truly level up those areas of the country that have fallen behind. Adding an additional level of scrutiny in the form of ‘street votes’ has the potential to run counter to the swift and effective decision making these reforms are aiming to facilitate.”
