Mark Whitehead 11 June 2019

Planning system 'fuelling' North-South divide, says think tank

The current planning system is increasing the North-South divide, according to a think tank.

Centre for Cities says the 'nimbys who dominate local politics' must be challenged and the planning system reformed to stop the 'gifting of wealth' to homeowners in successful cities.

It says homeowners in the South East have become £80,000 richer over the past six years than those elsewhere in England and Wales because the planning system’s 'rationing of new homes' in areas of high demand drives up house prices.

The think tank says the Government should ensure that housing supply meets demand in popular areas by introducing a flexible zoning system of the kind used in Japan and some parts of the USA.

Centre for Cities chief executive, Andrew Carter, said: 'Our planning system is fuelling a North-South wealth divide among homeowners.

Restrictive planning policies in many prosperous southern cities are gifting wealth to homeowners in the Greater South East.

'This creates two wealth divides: one between homeowners in the Greater South East and elsewhere in the country, and another between homeowners, who tend to be older, and renters, who tend to be younger, within the Greater South East.

'The best way to address this inequality is to build more homes in the areas that have seen the biggest increases in housing wealth.

'This means radical reform of our broken planning system and challenging the nimbys whose voices dominate local politics.'

Online Safety – Time to Act image

Online Safety – Time to Act

Schools still have work to do despite onus being put on online platforms to conform to new safeguarding legislation, says safeguarding expert Mark Bentley.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

Essex County Council
£48727 - £52440 per annum
Educational PsychologistPermanent, Full TimeSoulbury Scale A 2-7 plus 3 SPAsLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Domestic Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £22361 per annum + FTE
Domestic AssistantPermanent, Part TimeUp to £22,361 per annum, pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Private Fostering Social Worker

Essex County Council
£34712 - £46751 per annum + FTE
Private Fostering Social WorkerFixed Term, Part Time£34,712 to £46,751 per annum FTELocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Accountancy Tutor - Part Time

Essex County Council
Up to £28432 per annum + pro rata
Accountancy Tutor - Part TimePermanent, Part TimeUp to £28,432 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Occupational Therapist Part Time

Essex County Council
£34712 - £46751 per annum + Flexible Working, CPD, Local Gov Pension
This is a part time opportunity for 18.5 hours per week with flexibility on working pattern. The advertised salary will be pro rata'd for part time England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.