Industry welcomes planning reform – but wants more

The housebuilding industry has largely welcomed this morning’s announcement by chancellor Rachel Reeves outlining the steps the new government will take to “fix the foundations of our economy” and “grasp the nettle” of planning reform.

As part of the announcement, the chancellor reconfirmed the government’s commitment to delivering 1.5 million homes in this parliament and to reforming the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), including reinstating mandatory housing targets before the end of the month.

Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Home Builders Federation, said: “The home building industry stands ready to support the chancellor’s ambitious plans for housing with investment, job creation and the new homes the country needs.

“As she identified, we can only build if we plan effectively and if councils take responsibility for the housing needs of their communities. We also need to address the lack of capacity in local authority planning departments and unblock the 160,000 homes held up by nutrient neutrality.

“We must also consider the current struggles of first-time buyers to take their first steps on the housing ladder. In this environment it is frustrating that, for the first time in decades, there is no active government support for aspiring homeowners.

“Building …