Ellie Ames 03 October 2024

Housing targets ‘weaken local decision making’, LGA warns

Housing targets ‘weaken local decision making’, LGA warns image
Image: richardjohnson / Shutterstock.com

The Local Government Association (LGA) has raised concerns that mandatory housebuilding targets for councils centralise policy and weaken local decision making.

In its response to the Government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the LGA also warned that the new method of calculating targets could lead to speculative unplanned development without the sufficient infrastructure.

The association also told ministers there was ‘no place’ for unfettered permitted development rights, particularly when they allow homes to be built without contributions towards affordable housing and when there are no controls to ensure the new housing is of a decent standard.

Allowing councils to set their own planning application fees and boosting the number of planners would help address national shortfalls in planning departments, the LGA added.

Housing spokesperson Adam Hug said: ‘There is a strong appetite across local government to work constructively to improve coverage of local plans and encourage housebuilding, including the vital need to deliver more homes for social rent and homes which are genuinely affordable.

‘However, councils and local communities know their local areas best, and need to be full partners in tackling the housing crisis together, with new development supported by the infrastructure needed to make communities thrive and proper consultation and engagement that can help ensure local people are able to benefit.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Technician - Maintenance

Essex County Council
£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner