Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s plans include restoring mandatory housing targets and utilizing green belt land

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of England’s planning system, which includes a proposal to build over 2,000 new homes across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. The government’s ambitious plan, aimed at addressing the housing crisis, is open for public consultation until September 2024.

Under the proposed changes, house prices will influence where new homes are constructed, with Buckinghamshire and St Albans in Hertfordshire projected to see the most development. The plan reinstates mandatory housing targets for local councils, which were previously abolished by the Conservative government. These new targets are designed to spur housebuilding in areas with high demand and to help more individuals secure home ownership.

Rayner’s initiative aims to deliver one and a half million new homes over the next five years, a move the Labour Party hopes will alleviate the severe housing shortage in England. To facilitate this, some low-quality green belt land, such as disused petrol stations and car parks, will be made available for construction. The government has emphasized that if councils fail to meet these targets, it will step in to ensure compliance.

The proposed plan forecasts nearly 20,000 new homes across Beds, Herts, and Bucks, an increase from previous estimates of just under 18,000. However, this will result in fewer homes being built in Bedfordshire, including Luton, compared to earlier projections.

In St Albans, Hertfordshire, where housing demand and prices are high, approximately 80% of land is designated green belt. Local leaders, including Liberal Democrat council leader Paul de Kort, have voiced concerns about the feasibility of meeting housing needs given the limited available space. De Kort has called for national government support to provide necessary infrastructure such as schools, doctors, and transport links alongside new housing developments.

Richard Bullen of Redbourn Against Greenbelt Erosion expressed opposition to the use of green belt land, emphasizing its role in preventing urban sprawl and preserving open spaces. Bullen and others argue that encroaching on green belt land diminishes its value for future generations and detracts from its environmental benefits.

Conservative MP Oliver Dowden, representing Hertsmere, where the new plan proposes over 200 additional homes, has expressed “grave concerns” about the reintroduction of top-down housing targets. Dowden criticized the Labour Party’s plans as a reversal of previous policies he had worked to remove.

Bedford Borough Council has stated it will carefully review the proposed changes to planning policy and housing targets. Buckinghamshire Council has yet to comment on the new plans.

Analysis

Political: Angela Rayner’s proposed overhaul of the planning system marks a significant policy shift, reinstating mandatory housing targets and adjusting the use of green belt land. This change reflects the government’s approach to tackling the housing crisis by increasing the supply of new homes, but it also reignites political debates about central versus local control over planning and development. The opposition’s concerns about top-down mandates and environmental implications underscore the contentious nature of this policy shift.

Social: The proposed housing expansion addresses the acute need for affordable housing in high-demand areas like Buckinghamshire and St Albans. Socially, this move aims to increase homeownership opportunities, which could benefit many individuals and families struggling with housing affordability. However, the plan also highlights the ongoing tension between development and preserving green spaces, reflecting broader societal debates about urban growth and environmental conservation.

Racial: While the current proposal does not directly address racial issues, the impact of housing policies often intersects with racial dynamics, particularly in areas with diverse populations. The availability of affordable housing can influence demographic changes and access to resources. Therefore, the redistribution of housing development could have indirect effects on community composition and access to opportunities.

Gender: The gender impact of this housing plan is less explicit, but affordable housing availability often affects women and families disproportionately, especially single-parent households. The increase in housing supply could provide more stable living conditions for women and children, enhancing their overall quality of life. Conversely, the potential displacement of green belt land could impact communities with a higher concentration of women and families.

Economic: Economically, the proposal aims to stimulate growth by increasing the housing supply, potentially lowering house prices and making homeownership more accessible. This could have broader economic benefits, including job creation in the construction sector and increased consumer spending. However, the financial implications of utilizing green belt land and the cost of necessary infrastructure development could influence local budgets and economic planning.