Labour Unveils Plan to Accelerate Stalled Housing Projects Across England

Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister, has announced a plan to expedite the construction of up to 300,000 new homes currently delayed by planning obstacles. The initiative, known as the New Homes Accelerator programme, aims to address the significant housing shortage in England.

The programme has identified 200 sites across the country where development has been impeded by various factors, including environmental regulations and infrastructure requirements. In many cases, planning permission has already been granted, but construction has been halted due to unforeseen issues.

Rayner stated, "The government has a responsibility to facilitate the construction of urgently needed homes. We will take necessary action to intervene where required."

The plan involves deploying central government planning officers to local councils to resolve blockages in development processes. This approach aims to overcome hurdles such as nutrient neutrality rules, which have impeded over 100,000 new homes across the country.

Some of the identified sites include Stretton Hall in Leicestershire, Tendring in Essex, and Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, which together could provide more than 10,000 new homes. Additional large sites in Liverpool, Worcester, Northstowe, and Sutton Coldfield have been earmarked for a further 14,000 new builds.

The Home Builders Federation has welcomed the initiative. David O'Leary, the federation's executive director, commented on the positive impact this could have on housing supply and economic growth.

"Adopting a pragmatic approach to planning will increase the pace at which new homes are built and help to turn around ailing housing supply."

This programme is part of a broader Labour strategy to address housing issues. Sir Keir Starmer has previously indicated a willingness to "bulldoze" through opposition to development, emphasizing the need for local input on "how, not if" homes are built.

The Conservative Party has criticized Labour's approach, arguing that the opposition party previously blocked attempts to reform planning regulations. A Conservative spokesperson stated, "The extent of stalled housebuilding is a problem of Labour's own making."

As the UK grapples with its housing crisis, this initiative represents a significant step towards meeting the government's target of delivering 1.5 million homes over the next five years. However, the success of this programme will depend on its ability to navigate the complex interplay of local planning processes, environmental regulations, and community concerns.