HBF Annual Planning Conference - New Models for Planning and Affordable Housing
New Models for Planning and Affordable Housing
Shadow Housing Minister Michael Gove told delegates attending the HBF’s Annual Planning Conference that the government should stop telling people where and how to live and that intervention in the market was “getting in the way” of economic growth.
Gove addressed more than 120 delegates to the conference at Milton Keynes on September 14, the theme of which was New Models for Planning and Affordable Housing. Colin Byrne, Director of Housing and Planning at the Department for Communities and Local Government, updated the audience on the present position in relation to the government reform of the planning system, while Dan Epstein, environmental policy manager at English Partnerships, spoke of the growing importance of environmental performance to the planning function.
Savills Research director Yolande Barnes and Eversheds’ partner Paul Winter rounded up the morning session.
The afternoon focused on Affordable Housing with a keynote speech from Steve Douglas, Deputy CEO of the Housing Corporation. Also speaking were HBF Head of Planning Andrew Whitaker and Colin Ball, Project Director of Pride in Camp Hill, a community regeneration initiative in Warwickshire. Ingrid Reynolds, director of development and new business at Notting Hill Housing, gave a Housing Association perspective before Conference Chairman Iain Painting of Barton Willmore rounded off the day.
