Nearly 100,000 homes on large sites stuck in the planning system are moving forward after Government intervention.
The New Homes Accelerator, set up last year, has helped speed up delivery by giving planning support and removing regulatory hurdles.
Around 36,000 homes started building faster after the team stepped in, and planning proposals for another 63,000 homes were pushed forward through close work with arms-length bodies and other departments.
The team will now focus on six new sites including Orchard Grove in Somerset, Wisley Airfield in Guildford, North Leigh Park in Wigan, Hampden Fields in Aylesbury, and two in London at Billet Road and High Road West.
These sites should see over 12,000 homes built, with at least 25% classed as affordable.
This work ties into wider Government reforms to meet the 1.5 million homes target.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “We’ve rolled up our sleeves and are breaking down the barriers which stop us from building the houses to buy and rent that families and young people need, helping to speed up the delivery of tens of thousands of new homes already.
“We are continuing to take decisive action through our New Homes Accelerator to speed up the delivery of homes, meet our stretching 1.5 million homes target through the Plan for Change, and get spades in the ground to turn the tide on the housing crisis.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m pleased the government is working with London boroughs to unblock housebuilding as part of its plan to deliver the good growth our country needs.
“I’m determined to use all the powers at my disposal to build the homes Londoners need and get Britain building again.
“I look forward to working with Ministers on the action and investment needed to accelerate the delivery of new homes as we continue building a better, fairer London for everyone.”
Simon Dekker, senior relationship director in development finance at Paragon Bank, said: “Developers will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief hearing the news, but it’s worth bearing in mind the majority of these houses are part of large-scale developments likely being delivered by big name developers – and therefore unlikely to ease the burden for SME housebuilders, who already face significant disadvantages when it comes to planning delays.
“That said, the Government’s focus on removing regulatory bottlenecks and enhancing local planning capacity is encouraging.
“These reforms have the potential to level the playing field and enable SME developers to compete more effectively.”
Dekker added: “By enabling faster build-out of consented sites and reforms such as enhanced compulsory purchase powers and streamlined consultation processes, Government is laying the foundations for more agile development – ultimately what is needed to the UK’s chronic housing shortage.
“We especially welcome the prioritisation of large sites in regions like Somerset, London and the North West – areas that are growing and in critical need of new housing.
“As a specialist lender, Paragon continues to support SME developers to navigate the complex planning landscape and build the homes communities urgently need.”
