Housebuilders flex muscles to push councils

The Home Builders Federation says that many councils are failing to hold out their responsibilities under the recent National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and are lacking objectivity in terms of housing needs.

The NPPF requires local authorities to evaluate their housing need objectively after which allocate sufficient land.

Housebuilders argue that the requirement for objective assessments is being ‘distorted by subjective considerations’ which includes concern for our surroundings or heritage.

To be certain there isn’t any back-sliding (as they see it) the HBF has beefed up its planning department, doubling personnel to enable it to symbolize the industry at each local plan examination.

HBF has made representations at numerous selected local plans because the NPPF was introduced but has needed to juggle resources. The experience has revealed the necessity for more resource to guarantee local authorities conduct an objective assessment in their housing needs and to permit representation in any respect future plan examinations

HBF executive chairman Stewart Baseley said: “If the brand new planning system is to work as intended and deliver the houses the rustic needs it is important that local authorities abide by the responsibilities it has given them.

“This new capacity will enable the industry to be represented in any respect future local plan inquiries, and make sure we’re challenging local authorities that aren’t making adequate provision for his or her housing need. With power comes responsibility and we wish to ensure responsibilities are being met.”