RICS response to the UK Government’s changes to planning policy for brownfield development and PDR

RICS response to the UK Government’s changes to planning policy for brownfield development and permitted development rights

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove announced a series of proposed changes to the planning system to encourage developers to build more homes, particularly on brownfield sites.

Alongside the announcement was the publication of a consultation into strengthening planning policy for brownfield development and a consultation on changes to various permitted development rights. We will be responding to these in full.

Brownfield development

As part of the plan, every council in England will be told that they will need to prioritise brownfield developments and instructed to be less bureaucratic and more flexible in applying policies that halt housebuilding on brownfield land.

We welcome the renewed focus on brownfield development, particularly to help alleviate housing pressures in urban environments. However, often councils do want to build on brownfield land but face challenges, particularly around making-safe potentially decontaminated sites, which is a costly and complex endeavour. The Government’s current proposal seemingly does not acknowledge these difficulties, with there being a distinct lack of funding to support already stretched local councils and planning departments to realise this aim.

Permitted Development Rights

The proposal will also see a reduction in red-tape and bureaucracy to help transform derelict sites and unused buildings into new homes. We are supportive of streamlining the planning system to make it less cumbersome. Nevertheless, quality, safety and standards must be at the heart of these proposals. For example, relaxing rules for extending upwards need to ensure safety standards are not compromised and the impact on neighbours and the street are taken into consideration. While increasing the number of properties built across England is of the upmost importance, this needs to be done in a way that ensures the longevity and quality of the homes people live in.

Green Belt

In addition, we have also outlined that a holistic approach to tackling the housing crisis must include an evidence-led review of the Green Belt, to transparently consider the benefits and trade-offs that apply to its current operation. It is therefore disappointing to see such a firm stance from the Government against this proposal.

Responding to the announcement, Tony Mulhall, Senior Specialist; Land and Resources at RICS said:

We support the drive to get unused buildings back into use and contributing to communities. Quality of new residential homes should be at the heart of this policy, as not every commercial property will be suitable for conversion due to considerations of light and airflow, among others.

Similarly, on extending upwards, considerations should include safety. You also cannot ignore placemaking, local planning and preservation of high streets, its key we ensure communities still have the amenities they need to thrive and to create jobs.

For more information or to get involved in RICS’ policy work, contact Senior Public Affairs Officer, Robbie Toomey at rtoomey@rics.org