New national housebuilding targets have been met with concern from a Suffolk MP, who fears they may diminish the voice of communities on where homes are built.
The Labour Government announced plans at the end of July to tackle what it described as “the most acute housing crisis in living memory”.
Councils across England will now receive new mandatory targets, to deliver the increased goal of 1.5 million homes nationwide over the next five years.
In Babergh, the new requirement is expected at around 763 homes per annum – a rise of 83 per cent on the current annual target of 416.
The Government’s proposals also include an overhaul of the planning system to streamline the application and approval process.
Deputy Prime Minster Angela Rayner said: “Our decisive reforms correct the errors of the past and set us on our way to tackling the housing crisis, delivering 1.5 million homes for those who really need them. Our new flexibilities for councils will boost the number of social and affordable homes and give working families a better route to secure a home.”
But the Conservative MP for South Suffolk, James Cartlidge, is concerned the new target for Babergh would be “undeliverable” as it had never achieved 763 new homes in a year.
Data shows the district’s best figure was 758 homes in 2021-22 – when figures are thought to have been higher as completion checks were delayed in the previous 12 months due to Covid-19.
Mr Cartlidge has also written to the Secretary of State for Housing, seeking clarity on the impact these proposals will have on Neighbourhood Plans.
He suggested that the national requirements would supersede local guidance on housebuilding, leading to speculative development.
“As a strong advocate for Neighbourhood plans, I have held multiple meetings with communities to encourage them to pursue a plan to protect their say in where housing is actually built” he said.
“I’m conscious of the huge amount of time and voluntary effort that goes into creating these plans, with Babergh now having 21 adopted plans and 16 in progress.
“Given these new housing targets, I am particularly concerned that Labour’s planning reforms will affect their legal status.
“I have therefore written to the new Secretary of State to request clarity on their proposals and to reiterate my continued support for protecting the local voice in housing.”
Published in the Suffolk Free Press.
