Exploring the Future of Politics and Property

As part of our Radlett Property Breakfast, we had the pleasure of hosting Gavin Stollar from CT Group, who shared his expertise on the current political and property landscape.

The Upcoming General Election

Delving straight into the current political climate, it is likely that Labour will achieve a significant majority in the upcoming election, with potentially substantial implications for planning policy. This shift could see the Conservative Party reduced to less than 100 seats, marking the end of 14 years of Conservative government.

Tackling the Housing Crisis

Housing has been a priority over the last few years, with targets consistently unmet. With a new government, we could see major policy shifts to help alleviate housing shortages by allowing local authorities to proactively finance and develop housing.

Redefining the Green Belt

As a fundamental aim of the National Planning Policy Framework, the Green Belt policy was implemented to prevent urban sprawl. To address the movement to increase housing, we may see policies adjusted to balance the demand for new housing by relaxing some constraints on development in the Green Belt. It is expected that there will be an emphasis on areas close to existing development and well-connected by transport.

Increasing Infrastructure Funds

A refocus on housing could lead to an increased emphasis on long-term infrastructure funding, aimed at ensuring new developments have the necessary facilities to enhance their viability and sustainability.

Financial Strategies for Local Authorities

A significant departure from the current regime is the prospect of councils being empowered to raise their own funds by leveraging their assets. This strategy could provide local authorities with greater autonomy and financial power to fund new housing and infrastructure projects.

New Planning Powers Without Primary Legislation

Another point was the potential for councils to gain new planning powers within the framework of the current regime without the need for primary legislation. If this proves achievable, it could lead to quick changes in planning policy, streamlining approval processes for new developments, reducing delays, and freeing up land previously considered unsuitable for development.

Developing on Designated Sites with Local Plans

More developers are currently, and will in the future, seek to earmark land for development through site allocations in local plans to facilitate smoother and more efficient planning processes. Early site allocations have been helping align policy, local authority objectives, needs, and priorities, and this trend will likely continue to grow.

Assistance in Securing Affordable Housing

Another potential policy could involve strengthening and regularising councils' planning departments by supplying enough resources to secure affordable housing provisions from developers, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions.

Learnings

The insights from Gavin have shown that there could be significant changes afoot in planning policy. There is the prospect that both planning and delivery of new developments will become speedier and more efficient if effective planning reform is realised.