Planning reforms will lead to fewer social homes, survey finds

The vast majority of social landlords believe the proposed changes to the planning system will lead to fewer social rented homes, according to a new survey.

The survey by the Affordable Housing Commission found 57% of landlords thought the reforms would lead to a ‘significant’ decrease in the supply of social rented homes.

Overall, 85% thought the reforms would lead to less social rented homes.

Almost three quarters (72%) disagreed with the government’s statement that the reforms would deliver the homes the country needs.

And more than eight in ten (83%) of those surveyed expected that the new national Infrastructure Levy proposed in the White Paper would deliver less on-site affordable housing.

Many also thought (74%) it was the wrong time to be introducing root and branch planning reforms.

‘However, the main concern from the majority of social landlords was that the reforms could result in the loss of social housing,’ the report states.

‘Respondents were concerned about changes to the planning gain system, suggesting the retention of Section 106 Agreements or ringfencing part of the new Infrastructure Levy for affordable housing.’

The government’s planning reforms have faced heavy criticism from Conservative MPs and the Local Government Association (LGA).

A recent report by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) has warned that the proposals are ‘lacking in vital detail’.

In its submission to the government consultation on the plans, ADEPT said the proposed reforms risks ‘exacerbating inequalities in different areas of the country through skewing the process to favour high value areas’.

But last month (October), the housing minister Christopher Pincher has defended the government’s controversial proposals, which he said would bring about ‘systemic and cultural change’.

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