CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY NEWS
has failed them and it’s time to level the playing field. Today we’re taking urgent action to make the system simpler, fairer and more cost effective, so smaller housebuilders can play a crucial role in our journey to get Britain building.” The consultation proposes a national delegation scheme, which would see most minor and technical applications handled by planning officers, reserving only major or controversial decisions for elected committees. Responding to the news, Jeremy Gray, Head of External Affairs at the FMB, said: “This is a big change for the planning system and one that acknowledges the hardships faced by SME housebuilders over the last few decades, which have resulted in their decline. “The UK’s small housebuilders stand ready to deliver the homes Britain needs, but the planning system has stifled their growth. The FMB has long called for reform to the planning system to support SMEs, and so the decision to streamline requirements on sites of up to nine homes, alongside faster decisionmaking is a positive step. “The medium site designation will also be welcomed as it reduces planning hurdles, enabling small housebuilders to scale up their businesses. However, the small site allocation in local plans will need revisiting to fully realise the potential of small house builders. Local planning authorities will also require further investment to ensure that the system has capacity. “We know from the FMB’s 2024 Housebuilders’ Survey that communication with planning officers is a major hindrance to building new homes. We look forward to working with the government on these proposals to ensure that the nation’s micro and SME housebuilders can thrive.”
Easier rules for SME housebuilders
S mall and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders could soon benefit from a shake-up of the planning system, with the government signalling a move to ease burdens and speed up approvals for smaller developments. The Ministry of Housing has outlined proposals to make planning more accessible and cost-effective for SMEs. Under the new plans, developments of fewer than 10 homes would be subject to lighter-touch planning requirements, including fewer Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) obligations. A new category for ‘medium’ residential sites – those between 10 and 49 homes – is
also under consideration, which could carry simpler BNG rules and an exemption from the Building Safety Levy. The proposed changes are detailed in two published documents: Planning Reform Working Paper: Reforming Site Thresholds and Reform of Planning Committees: Technical Consultation . Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: “Smaller housebuilders must be the bedrock of our ‘Plan for Change’ to build 1.5 million homes and fix the housing crisis we’ve inherited – and get working people on the housing ladder. For decades the status quo
Scan the QR code for the FMB’s 2024 Housebuilders’ Survey
Scan the QR code for Planning Reform
Scan the QR code for Reform of Planning Committees: Technical Consultation
Working Paper: Reforming Site Thresholds
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Master Builder
www.fmb.org.uk
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