William Eichler 01 March 2018

Whitehall must reform ‘viability tests’, campaigners say

The Government must amend the definition of ‘affordable housing’ and change its approach to viability testing in its updated planning framework, campaigners say.

Two organisations have called on Whitehall to ‘clarify and strengthen’ its commitment to delivering affordable housing by amending the definition and reforming the viability test.

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) and the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) have made the call ahead of the publication next week of the updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

New research from the TCPA and APSE found 60% of councils said the viability test had ‘hindered’ their ability to secure affordable housing in their local areas.

It also revealed only around one in 10 local authorities said the viability test helped with the provision of affordable housing and 29% didn't know.

Viability tests allow developers to backtrack on commitments to build affordable housing made while applying for planning permission.

They are able to argue such housing would reduce their profit margin and so cannot be built.

‘There is no doubt that the current planning framework has deprioritised vital policy on affordable housing, climate change, good design and social equity, each of which are essential for building quality places,’ said Kate Henderson, chief executive of the TCPA.

‘A key factor which led to this outcome was the introduction of viability testing, which places the needs of developers and land owners above the wider-public interest.

‘The test has spawned a wasteful and costly industry for all parties which has had the net effect of dramatically reducing the delivery of affordable housing.

‘The publication of the updated NPPF is a key opportunity for the Government to set a new direction for planning, starting with rebalancing the viability test so councils can secure the affordable housing their communities need.’

Paul O’Brien, chief executive of APSE, commented: ‘Our latest research reveals that 98% of councils have identified the need for affordable homes in their local authorities as severe or moderate.

‘Alongside financial freedoms, councils need a planning system that enables them to deliver more genuinely affordable homes.

‘The Government should ensure that the definition of an affordable homes set out in the new NPPF is based on a measure of income and not pegged to an arbitrary proportion of market price.’

Banning urban pesticide use image

Banning urban pesticide use

RSPB and PAN are working on a letter from local councillors calling on the Government to introduce a national ban on urban pesticide use. Find out more below.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Payroll Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,014 to £55,758 per annum
About the role You will have a set of on-going responsibilities which will vary depending on the needs of the team. The responsibilities include (but not limited to) to
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Family Worker Link Role - 12 month FTC

Essex County Council
£30931 - £35362 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefits Pension
Family Worker Link RoleFixed Term, Full Time£30,931 to £35,362 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Strategic Risk and Insurance Manager

Wakefield Council
£56,685.00, Grade 14
Wakefield is situated in West Yorkshire with excellent rail and motorway links to the north and south, including London. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Adults Social Worker - Organisational Safeguarding

Essex County Council
£36101 - £48622 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
Why Join Us? With us, you can achieve more - for yourself as well as the vulnerable adults you work to support. We're always looking for new ways t England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Policy Officer

Westminster City Council
£53,109 - £72,669 per annum
Innovation and Change in Westminster City Council is a world of extraordinary stories. Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP
Recuriter: Westminster City 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.