“Buckle up" for housing phase two, says Pennycook

The industry should “buckle up” for “phase two” of the government's plan to deliver 1.5 new million homes, with ministers “recognising” the problems housebuilders face, housing minister Matthew Pennycook said today (September 17).

Speaking at HBF’s Planning Conference in conversation with Catherine Williams, HBF planning director and conference chair and Neil Jefferson, HBF’s ceo Neil Jefferson, Pennycook acknowledged that from the sector’s point of view there had been a “lull” in government moves since its planning reforms and “foundational changes to policy”. “We didn’t say we’d stop,” he said.

He stated that its next measures would focus on a national policy for decision making, the New Town’s programme, “getting serious about urban densification” including delivering homes around transport hubs, and site thresholds, “particularly for SMEs”.

These intentions have been previously trailed through consultations and working papers, also including plans for a brownfield passport, Pennycook stated.

“If you think there’s a lull, you should buckle up,” Pennycook said.

The housing minister also confirmed that the government would publish an update on flood risks today, taking a “more proportionate, pragmatic approach” after hearing of issues around applying the sequential test.

The housing minister answered questions on falling …