Today’s “Planning for the Future” is the best hope for those seeking better more beautiful and more sustainable homes since our modern planning system was established, says NaCSBA.
The National and Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA) warmly welcomes today’s Planning Consultation Paper, the most ambitious planning reform since the foundation of the modern planning system in 1945.
The planned simplified zoning approach, plus a national design code that can then be tailored to the very different communities across our nation is the radical change that the system needs.
Furthermore, the specific support for custom and self build and community-led housing including, for the first time, the allocation of land; plus greater use of public land will transform the quality, sustainability, and value of new homes in this country. The continued exemption from the updated infrastructure levy will help make a compelling case to those thinking about building or commissioning their own home.
Access to suitable permissioned land remains the key constraint to the growth of our sector. These proposals now need to be combined with ensuring the existing Right to Build legislation operates as intended and that the manifesto commitment to a “Help to Build” scheme is delivered.
Andrew Baddeley-Chappell, NaCSBA CEO, said: “For too long our planning system and our housing market has been stuck in a rut. Consumer choice is the key to more and better homes that more people aspire to live in and that communities are happier to see built. There is huge potential to be unlocked. With choice comes responsibility and the local design codes will help ensure that these cherished new homes are fitting additions to their surroundings.
The message to the public is clear, the choice that you expect with every other product is now coming to the housing market – prepare to be excited and inspired.”
