A number of radical measures designed to increase the supply of new housing in London are detailed in a new report published by the G15 group of housing associations.  The report “Unblocking Land and Planning” has been prepared to inform the current debate about how best to address the housing crisis in the capital.

Grabbing the headlines is a proposal to strip local authorities of their planning powers where they are failing to deliver sufficient new housing, with decision making powers transferring to the DCLG or a (possibly roving) Urban Development Corporation.

Other measures outlined in the report include reducing the number of statutory consultees on major applications; providing greater clarity and consistency as to how viability is assessed, with the potential affordable threshold being a direct result of the percentage increased over existing/previous use value; and, a potential new planning class for affordable rent.

With the New Homes Bonus currently scheduled to end in 2015, an interesting and potentially appealing proposal for cash-strapped local authorities, would be for them to take an equity stake in private developments as a condition of granting planning consent – helping to secure long-term income for the authority.

Finally, in the context of the heated debate at the recent examination hearings for the Further Alterations to the London Plan, the report promotes a sensible debate about the need to review London’s green belt and the role of potential new towns in increasing supply.

The Group are taking a strategic approach, aligning themselves to the Mayor – in seeking a long-term housing plan that is consistent across Boroughs in terms of decision making, timescales and viability. This is reflected in a desire for a London-wide review of what is an ‘affordable’ cap on market rents – a particularly bitter conflict raged recently between the Mayor and a number of Boroughs, and a stance which may be seen as a further threat to ‘Local’ decision making.

As the general election approaches next spring, and the Mayoral election the year after, you can expect the debate about how best to address London’s housing supply issue will only intensify further.

To discuss this further please contact Lyndon Gill or your usual Iceni contact.  To view the full report click here: http://g15london.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/g15-Unblocking-Land-and-Planning-Sept-2014-FINAL.pdf