Laura Sharman 23 June 2020

Calls for a flexible zoning system to end housing crisis

A flexible zoning system would help build more homes in the UK and end the housing crisis, a new report has argued.

A critique of the UK’s planning system, published by Centre for Cities, argues that the current system rations land, restricts the supply of new homes, and decreases affordability.

It calls for the Government to adopt a flexible zoning system as seen in other countries. It argues that planning proposals which comply with a zone-based local plan and building regulations to be automatically granted planning permission.

The report states: 'Minimising the discretionary element in the planning system is the key to overcoming this housing crisis. In England, this requires a shift away from the current discretionary planning system towards the distinct approach of a flexible zoning system, as seen in other countries with more affordable housing.

'These problems discussed above are creations of the current planning system, and cannot be resolved so long as the fundamentals of the system remain untouched.'

Other recommendations in the report include replacing Section 106 agreements with a flat 20% levy on a development’s value for infrastructure and new social housing.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

North Northamptonshire Council
£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI Chelmsford

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI ChelmsfordFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£77136 - £88230 per annum
Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chel England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner