UK Housing Policy: New National Planning Framework Changes
The UK government has introduced a draft of the revised NPPF, signalling major shifts in UK housing policy. Since his appointment in July, Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised that boosting house building will be a central pillar of his administration’s agenda.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner now leads as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Alongside Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, she aims to address the urgent need for new housing nationwide.
The updated draft, released at the end of last month, is currently undergoing a public consultation period, with feedback invited until 24th September 2024. This draft version features tracked changes from the previous government’s policies, clearly outlining Labour’s proposed modifications.
While some of the amendments may seem minor, others represent substantial changes that could reshape the housing sector. Below are the key revisions of the NPPF and their potential implications.
Reintroduction of Mandatory House Building Targets
One of the most notable changes under the new NPPF is the reinstatement of mandatory house building targets for local councils. Upon taking office, the Labour government swiftly brought back these targets, which had been previously abandoned. The new framework sets a national target of 370,000 new homes annually, aiming for a 0.8% increase in the UK’s housing stock each year.
These targets are not merely aspirational; they are legally binding. Councils are required to meet their quotas or face penalties unless they can provide compelling evidence of why the targets cannot be achieved. The targets will be based on the housing needs of each local authority area. Consequently, quotas will vary significantly between councils.
Unlocking Green Belt and Grey Belt Land
Another major change in the NPPF is the policy on green belt and grey belt land, which seeks to make more land available for development. The term “green belt” refers to protected countryside areas. Conversely, “grey belt” covers previously developed land or areas with minimal green belt value. The revised framework allows councils that struggle to meet their housing targets on non-green belt land to consider these areas for development.
However, the NPPF includes strict conditions for development on green belt sites. At least 50% of the new homes on such sites must be affordable, with a significant portion allocated for social rent. Furthermore, any development must also deliver essential improvements to local or national infrastructure and provide or enhance public green spaces.
UK Housing Policy: Prioritising Social Housing
A central focus of Labour’s revised NPPF is the expansion of social housing. The framework proposes reducing or eliminating the requirement for allocating a percentage of homes in new developments for homeownership. This change aims to increase housing availability for social tenants and address the critical shortage in this area.
Shift from “Beauty” to “Good Design”
The new NPPF also marks a significant shift in how design standards are framed. The previous emphasis on “beauty” in housing developments has been replaced with a focus on “pattern, scale, and design quality.” This change aims to remove the subjective barriers to development that the government believes impeded progress.
Angela Rayner, in a Radio 2 interview, criticised the focus on beauty for blocking development. She stated the new approach will be more practical and inclusive.
UK Housing Policy: Conclusion
The proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework signal a determined effort by the Labour government to accelerate housebuilding and address the UK’s housing crisis. The framework reintroduces mandatory targets and unlocks additional land. Consequently, it prioritises social housing to create a more equitable market. As the consultation period progresses, we must monitor the proposals’ reception. This includes feedback from the public, developers, and local authorities.
