Industry reacts to King’s Speech

The industry has largely welcomed the detail of the King’s Speech today (July 17) in which housing played a key part through the introduction of a Planning and Infrastructure Bill. But some sector members expressed concern over timeliness, affordable housing pressures and the government’s ability to overcome local nimbyism.

The new government’s ambitions on housing delivery and the policy proposals to deliver them were “positive and welcome”, said Neil Jefferson, ceo of the Home Builders Federation. “Planning has been the biggest constraint on housebuilding in recent years and the measures proposed will address the main areas of concern by bringing more land forward for development more quickly.”

At the same time, Jefferson pointed out that with housing delivery having “a range of determinants”, unblocking the planning system was one piece of the puzzle. “We will also need to see moves to help increase mortgage availability, especially for young people, if we are to get to the levels government is aiming to deliver,” he added.

Jefferson also said: “Building the homes the country needs will address the social issues our housing crisis is creating, provide young people with access to decent housing, whilst creating tens of thousands …