Responding to publication of the updated National Planning Policy Framework, Harry Steele, Programme Director for Planning & Development at BusinessLDN, said:
“The Government is right to press on with further planning reform to make it easier to deliver the homes that Londoners need and drive good growth.
“We welcome efforts to streamline the planning system, particularly through the introduction of National Decision-Making Policies, which will come into effect immediately and should provide greater clarity and certainty for applicants and decision-makers.
“Making it more straightforward to build homes close to transport links, backing investment in key infrastructure projects, and streamlining the consultation process for developments will all help to accelerate delivery at a time when housebuilding in the capital is stuck in a rut.
“The Government should now look at how it can bring down soaring delivery costs for housebuilders to get more shovels in the ground. That includes pausing and reviewing the introduction of the Building Safety Levy – a tax on new homes – in October, especially as homebuilders have already made around £6 billion worth of additional building safety commitments.”