The Prime Minister said he is prepared to “push through” new developments if local plans drawn up by councils do not meet demand.
Keir Starmer visits a building site. (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer has admitted he is prepared for showdowns with councils nationwide to ram through more than a million new homes.
The Prime Minister said he is prepared to “push through” new developments if local plans drawn up by councils do not meet demand.
Sir Keir insisted he is up for the fight to give families a better chance of owning their homes.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy Ms Rayner have vowed to overhaul the planning system and build 1.5 million homes.
Sir Keir told Sky News: “This is about the security of the home of your own. There are very many families who will say ‘I’m working hard, I would like that opportunity, but I haven’t got it.
Sir Keir met with a family who have recently moved on to a new development. (Image: Getty)
“That’s why we are determined to push on with house building. It will be locally-led. If a local plan does the job, then there is no need for any intervention.
“If there is intervention, it will be brownfield sites first, grey zone sites and green belt last. But we’re determined to push on and build the homes.”
Asked again if the PM is able to start the housing “revolution” he wants, Sir Keir said: The starting point is local plans. Are we going to push it through if those plans don’t work? Yes, we absolutely are. Are we going to push away the planning rules and make them clearer? Get away the blockers, yes we are absolutely intent.
Councils will be ordered to review their green belt boundaries to meet targets by identifying lower-quality “grey belt” land that could be built on.
The updated NPPF will define grey belt land for the first time.
Any development on green belt land must comply with new “golden rules”, which require developers to provide infrastructure for local communities, such as nurseries, GP surgeries and transport, as well as a higher level of social and affordable housing.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycock said the Government is “absolutely willing” to step in and take a local plan away from local authorities if they refuse to implement one to meet homebuilding targets.
Sir Keir added: “Of course we want to get the balance right with nature and the environment.
“But if it comes down to a human being wanting a house for them and their family, that has to be the priority.
“We have already clarified the planning side. There is a basic question which is ‘have we got the balance right?’ And have we made sure that that dream of home ownership can actually be fulfilled?
“There are so many people who say ‘I would like my own front door, I would like a house I own for myself.
“That’s been unachievable for a number of years now. We’re going to change that.”
Most Popular Comments