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New planning policies and proposals by DLUHC
The Government has issued many planning proposals since December 2023. They include letters to LPA planning officers, as here. Michael Gove MP gave a speech on his intentions, issued a revised NPPF, published his Long Term Plan for Housing and issued instructions to LPAs to focus on brownfield land development. A consultation on the latter runs until 26th March 2024. Read (more…) for press articles expressing doubt and concern about the [more…]
The Property Owning Democracy
The Property Owning Democracy
Policy Exchange published their report on The Property Owning Democracy on December 4, 2023.
They comment that “homeownership is virtually impossible for anyone who does not inherit a considerable amount of wealth, or is earning many times the median wage”. Housing is, they say, “rapidly becoming the preserve of the richest in society”.
A copy can be downloaded here.
Government Street Vote Consultation
Government Consultation on Street Votes
The Government announced a street vote consultation running to 2nd February 2024 on the detailed operation of street vote development orders. These will inform the content of regulations using new powers in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.
Return of Help To Buy?
The Return of Help To Buy?
On December 26 2023, Andrew Lainton drew attention to a report from The Times about Conservative Government plans for helping young people to buy their own home.
It will be interesting to see how it affects Government financial support to London for those on low incomes who may be unlikely to be able to purchase a home.
Government Publishes NPPF
Government Publishes the National Planning Policy Framework (and more!)
The DLUHC has at last published the revised National Planning Policy Framework.
There is a searchable version here with supportive planning guidance here.
Chief Planners’ newsletter November 2023
The Chief Planner has issued her latest DLUHC newsletter to local authorities as here.
It covers Biodiversity Net Gain implementation.
Speeding up the Delivery of Major Infrastructure
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities published a paper containing its views around speeding up the delivery of major infrastructure on November 22, 2023.
Response to consultation on new style Local Plans
London Forum has commented to Government on their proposals, as here.
Ben Derbyshire reflects on the London housing shortage at AGM
London Forum’s President Ben Derbyshire speaking at the October 2023 AGM, highlighted his newly published book – Home Truths. He said that after 50 years as an architect, he wanted to pass on what he felt young architects ought to know. Firstly that we need to learn from ‘Loved Housing’. [more…]
Speech to AGM by Patron Professor Tony Travers
London Forum’s Patron Professor Tony Travers, Visiting professor in the LSE Dept of Government and Director of LSE London gave a speech at London Forum’s AGM on October 12, 2023 in which he asked us to consider London as it is today and think how it came about.
Biodiversity Net Gain introduction
Almost two-thirds of planners cannot confirm they will have resources in place to meet the November 2023 biodiversity net gain (BNG) deadline, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has reported.