heresa May’s recent announcement of a reform of the National Planning Policy will encourage developers to stop sitting on land and build more houses once they have gained planning permission. Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at roofing tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles, comments on the announcement and advises whether it will help the current housing crisis.

“Any focus at senior Government level which gives attention to all relevant parties and the need for speed and efficiency in the UK housing market can only be a good thing. However, it is not as simple as pointing fingers at developers who have not built on approved land.

“This is because a number of factors may have a significant impact on the speed and delays in builds. This can include a lack of employee skillsets and the availability of skilled trades, the cost of the build, value for money as well as planning obstacles. “While it is good to hear plans to speed up the planning process even further, I suspect streamlining the criteria and process is key to its success.

“For contractors, the unlocking of potential new sites for house-building could also lead to an increase in business for many contractors supplying house-building developments and these changes may also see a quicker process required, with developers now requiring building material sooner rather than later.

“Russell Roof Tiles is part of Crown Roof Tiles in the US and being part of an international group where housing is also in dire need – both in the US and Mexico – it is noticeable how much less red tape there is around planning in those countries and states. We, as a country, should look at other strong economic countries within Europe, with regard to speed and efficiency in planning and construction, irrespective of Brexit, and see what we can implement quickly to meet the 300,000 annual targets. “Education and skillsets are also inextricably linked to this target as well and should start in schools, not in planning or a developer’s office.”

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) welcomes several of the revisions made to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) outlined by the Prime Minister. However, stronger action is needed to support public sector investment in housing and prioritise design quality.

RIBA President, Ben Derbyshire, says: “While there is much to welcome in these proposals, the stark truth remains that the housing crisis will not be solved without major direct investment by the Government and local authorities in housing and infrastructure.

“We are pleased that the Government have listened to the RIBA and others about the importance of good design in new housing. The NPPF makes numerous positive suggestions that will support the ambitions of architects and developers to build more high-quality, sustainable and affordable new homes.

“The proposals to change the rules on viability and developer contributions should provide greater certainty for developers and communities and lead to more transparent relations between those looking to build new houses and those who already live in the area. This is something the RIBA and others have long been calling for, and we hope the proposals will be welcomed by the whole sector.

“The problems caused by developers who overbid for land and then use commercial confidentiality to avoid building affordable housing or providing the necessary infrastructure is a source of huge delay and destroys the trust that is vital to securing community support for new housing.

“The Prime Minister was right to recognise the critical importance of turning planning permissions into new homes. Urgent action must be taken on delays in the planning system such as the overuse of planning preconditions which hinder development causing design quality to suffer.”