Small business housebuilding resurgence initiated, according to Angela Rayner
Fresh Take:
Angela Rayner, the UK's Deputy Prime Minister, unveiled a revitalization strategy for the country's housing market at the UK Real Estate and Infrastructure Forum in Leeds. This strategy leans heavily on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to boost housebuilding initiatives.
Rayner put SMEs at the heart of the UK's housing revival by proposing the New Homes Accelerator to expedite the development of stalled sites, making it easier for SMEs to tap into projects. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill also comes into play, granting local authorities the ability to set planning fees, potentially eliminating bureaucratic delays. Yet, industry voices voice concerns about potential increased planning fees that may deter smaller builders.
"Without proper support, SMEs might struggle to compete," warns Brian Berry, the Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders.
In an effort to develop overlooked land, Rayner introduced the concept of 'grey belt,' aiming to unlock green belt areas for sustainable development. Developments on grey belt land must adhere to strict 'golden rules.' These include constructing at least half of new homes as affordable and ensuring essential infrastructure is in place.
"Prioritizing grey belt development allows us to meet housing needs without sacrificing our green spaces," says Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders. "A pragmatic approach that balances growth with conservation."
Rayner wants to build homes that not only are budget-friendly but also energy-efficient and robust. "Our mission is to construct homes that withstand the test of time," Rayner said. "Our focus is on design, durability, and the integration of necessary services."
Overall, Rayner's approach takes into account both the quantity and quality of new homes as part of a holistic solution to the housing crisis.
- To ensure the successful completion of the New Homes Accelerator project, guideline and design plans should be provided to the SMEs to help them construct energy-efficient and budget-friendly homes.
- For SMEs to optimally contribute to the revitalization of the UK's housing market, a guide on how to comply with the 'golden rules' for grey belt development should be made available.
- In the process of developing a guide for SMEs, sports metaphors can be utilized to emphasize the importance of balance – similar to a team striving for both offense and defense, SMEs need to prioritize both quantity and quality in their building projects.
- To encourage and support SMEs in their efforts to adhere to Rayner's strategies, estimates on the potential increased planning fees should be included in an official budget for the housing revival project.
