The ‘Brownfield Passport’ proposal has gained support from the property sector to accelerate housing approvals.
- The initiative aims to streamline planning for developments on previously used land, known as brownfield sites.
- Efforts are focused on addressing the housing supply-demand imbalance by facilitating quicker decision-making.
- The proposal requires councils to adhere to set criteria, enhancing predictability and efficiency in planning.
- Propertymark emphasizes the need for planning policies to reflect local housing needs and infrastructure.
The property sector has expressed its backing for the government’s ‘Brownfield Passport’ initiative, which seeks to expedite the approval of housing projects on brownfield sites. This support comes amid efforts to tackle the ongoing housing crisis by speeding up planning processes, thereby enhancing the likelihood of swift project initiation. The initiative was highlighted in a recent consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government.
By creating clear guidelines for development on brownfield sites, the proposal aims to reduce both the time and expense inherent in the existing planning approval processes, offering a more predictable pathway for developers. This move is especially pertinent given the increasing demand for housing and the shortage of new builds across various tenures in the UK.
Local councils would be enabled to approve development applications more quickly, but only if these applications meet pre-established criteria, according to the proposed plan. This could significantly alleviate the delays typically associated with planning permissions, allowing construction to commence sooner and homes to be occupied faster.
Propertymark, a professional body within the property sector, has voiced concerns regarding the insufficient supply of new homes, which affects both purchase and rental markets. They stress that planning reform must directly lead to increased housing availability. Consulting on the National Planning Policy Framework reforms, they focus on balancing demand with a tailored supply of homes.
Moreover, Propertymark highlights the necessity for planning proposals to accommodate local housing demands and infrastructure needs. They argue for a thoughtful allocation of resources to define the parameters of the ‘Brownfield Passport’ effectively, ensuring that local community needs are met. Such careful planning is deemed essential in addressing the housing shortages faced by many communities across the nation.
Henry Griffith, policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, underscored the importance of this initiative by stating: “Propertymark supports the concept of a ‘brownfield passport’, especially if it helps speed up planning proposals and can ensure any new homes built reflect the needs of the local community.” He noted the recurring problem of local opposition to new developments and suggested that this measure could mitigate such challenges.
The ‘Brownfield Passport’ proposal holds the potential to significantly impact housing development, provided it is implemented with a strong focus on local needs.
