Muller Property Group warns that the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) will fail to meet the Government’s recently scrapped target of building 300,000 homes a year, damaging the UK’s plan-led approach to development and the economy.
Colin Muller, the company’s chief executive, had hoped that the NPPF reforms would support the Levelling Up agenda and enable significant growth. However, he now believes that the reforms are more likely to hinder development.
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has reported that the proposed changes could lead to £20bn less economic activity and over £3bn less investment in affordable housing.
Additionally, the HBF predicts that almost 400,000 jobs, including 4,000 apprenticeships, could be lost as a result.
Muller argues that the proposed reforms are a whitewash and a missed opportunity to overhaul the planning system.
He claims that the lack of experience and depth of knowledge on planning matters is evident in the proposed changes, which will do little to help the country as it faces the current economic crisis.
In an open letter to the Planning Policy Consultation Team, Muller has raised significant concerns with the proposals, which he believes are an underhanded attempt to remove the UK’s plan-led approach to development.
“This Government had a great opportunity to carry out an overhaul of the planning system but it’s clear that those in Whitehall have bigger fish to fry and planning reform is effectively being kicked into the long grass,” Muller said.
He also added, “If open market housing delivery is reduced, our affordable housing provision will also drop proportionately.
“Over the last five years, more than 300,000 new affordable homes have been provided in England, and 40% of these were through S106.
“If local authorities are released from the requirement to meet housing need, it will significantly reduce the number of affordable homes they are able to secure.”
