New research has found that 15 local authorities have recently cut the number of homes they intend to build over the next decade by at least 10%.
According to The Times, which has seen the research by planning consultancy Lichfields, South Staffordshire Council has reduced its annual housebuilding plan by more than 40% while Hertsmere Borough Council has cut its plans by 25%.
The Times reports that councils have cut housebuilding plans by taking advantage of a new policy that allows them to avoid building on green belt land.
The update to national planning policy, made in December 2023, says ‘there is no requirement for green belt boundaries to be reviewed or changed when [local] plans are being prepared or updated’.
