Labour’s New Housing Plans Spark Debate

Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, has just introduced some big changes to England’s planning system, aiming to fulfill Labour‘s goal of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029.

These new plans will bring back mandatory housing targets for local councils, which had been made optional by the previous Conservative government in 2022. The idea is to streamline the process and get more homes built.

Rayner did say that her proposal might stir up some controversy, especially with plans to reclassify low-quality green belt land as ‘grey belt’, making it easier to develop. She argues that these changes are necessary for making housing more affordable.

The Conservative Party quickly responded, criticizing the plans. They claim it could push more housing into suburban areas that are next to urban Labour areas.

Under the new system, councils in England will have to include government-specified housing targets into their long-term land-use plans. Previously, those that didn’t comply faced restrictions on blocking new developments.

Rayner pointed out that new home starts are expected to dip below 200,000 this year, which is significantly lower than the former target of 300,000 homes. She emphasized that the previous government was giving in to backbenchers opposed to growth.

Labour also wants to change how these targets are determined. This includes scrapping the extra 35% housing boost for major urban areas that was brought in by the Conservatives.

The overall housing targets would increase from 305,000 to around 370,000 homes annually. However, some Labour-run urban areas will see their targets reduced, including London, Birmingham, and Coventry.

Rayner acknowledged that while these targets may seem surprising, the old system led to some baffling outcomes.

On the other side, Kemi Badenoch, the shadow housing secretary, raised concerns saying this could create more uncertainty and force suburban areas to absorb housing demands from inner city Labour areas.

Additionally, the government is laying out a more straightforward approach for building in certain green belt areas. Local councils will now need to review their green belt boundaries if they can’t meet housing needs through other avenues.

New guidelines will push councils to look at previously developed land as well as land contributing minimally towards countryside protection as ‘grey belt’ areas, allowing for potential development there.

Rayner stated that even with these adjustments, the targets for London remain a significant challenge, as the previous expectations were unrealistic.

The planning changes have received backlash from other parties as well, with the Greens labeling them as a diversion from Labour’s obligation to invest in truly affordable housing.