The British government unveiled plans on Sunday to streamline the approval process for new housing projects, aiming to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years. The move seeks to address long-standing delays in public examinations that have slowed down construction and hindered economic growth.
The Ministry of Housing announced that it will hold a public consultation to reduce the number of public bodies and civic groups whose approval is required for new housing developments. This includes groups representing sports organizations, theatres, and historic gardens.
Delays in the planning process have been widely blamed for the UK’s failure to meet housing demands amid a growing population. In 2023, only 193,000 homes were built—far below the 300,000 annual target necessary to meet housing needs, a target not achieved since 1977.
“We need to reform the system to ensure it is fair and balanced, without causing unnecessary delays,” said Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Communities, led by Rayner, revealed that over 25 agencies currently have the legal right to be consulted on housing projects. Many of these agencies often oppose developments or demand costly modifications, further complicating the process.
One notable example involved the conversion of an office building into 140 apartments. The project was delayed because a sports organization claimed that an expert opinion was not adequately sought to confirm whether a 3-meter fence would protect residents from cricket balls coming from an adjacent sports field.
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The government stated that around 100 similar disputes are referred to ministers each year, causing significant setbacks for housing projects.
Additional legislation aimed at reforming the planning system is expected to be introduced later this week. The proposed changes are part of a broader strategy to address the UK’s housing crisis and stimulate economic growth by accelerating construction projects.
The government’s initiative reflects growing pressure to resolve the housing shortage and support the construction sector, which has struggled to keep up with demand for decades.
This article is originally published on .zonebourse.com
