Government planning proposals welcomed
11th September 2012

Government proposals to speed up the planning system and allow householders to extend their homes without the need for planning permission are a welcome boost to both householders and the building industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to today’s Government announcement.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said:
“Proposals to make it easier for householders to extend their homes make perfect sense at a time when many people are unable to move house in the current market. It is also encouraging that the Government has recognized the need to help people get into the housing ladder. The extra £280 million as part of the ‘FirstBuy’ scheme to help would-be home owners with a deposit is a welcome boost.

Berry continued:
“The need for more homes is now a top priority given that we only building half the number to meet current demand. The announcement today for £300million to provide 15,000 affordable homes and to bring 5,000 homes back into use is a useful start. However, given the scale of the housing crisis with nearly 5 million people on social housing waiting lists it would have been helpful if the Government had turned its attention to the regulatory burden placed on small house builders. Scaling back developer contributions to local authorities would help, as would not adding extra development costs through changes to the new building regulations.”

Berry concluded:
“The Government’s proposals reflect the fact that a series of measures are needed to tackle the housing crisis which is critical if housing and construction are to drive the economic recovery that is so urgently needed. Speeding up the planning system and help for first time buyers will help but further proposals to cut development costs are also needed if we are build the number of homes that are needed.”