The Government's long-awaited announcement on planning reform is a welcome boost to build more homes but the failure to increase the percentage of small site allocations from the existing 10% is a big disappointment for micro housebuilders, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to the announced changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: "Changes to the planning system are long overdue and the Government's decisive action to ensure that new homes are built is very positive, with SME housebuilders long reporting that the planning system is the biggest hinderance to delivering new homes. The pragmatic approach to the green belt and local targets is much needed as they may help push through homes where they're needed most. But not revising the small site allocation in local plans is going to come as a disappointment for small house builders, who desperately need available land to build on, which they've been reporting as a blocker for years. The Government’s reforms must be seen as the start of the process to help diversify an increasingly restricted housing market, as the current changes don't shift the dial enough for micro house builders.”
Berry continued: "Other fundamental issues are also at play. Small house builders are at the sharp end of the planning system, often having to jump through the same hoops as volume developers. While any increase to planning officer numbers is welcome, the 300 proposed is a drop in the ocean and will not turn the tide for the nation’s local house builders. SME house builders frequently cite poor resourcing of planning departments and the subsequent poor communication from them as the number one reason they can't build new homes. We need to see this change."
