Responding to back bench pressure from Theresa Villiers, MP and her 50+ supporters Michael Gove, has withdrawn the Levelling Up Bill. It is reported he wants to work constructively with colleagues on the matter. There is no plan to provide the homes growth and productivity needs, or the homes the next generations need. These are … Continue reading Will Gove grasp the nettle?

Let us assume Rishi Sunak, the PM and Michael Gove, his Secretary of State for housing sincerely want to solve the housing supply shortfall. And let us assume they want to accomodate the onslaught Theresa Villiers and her 50 strong band of backbench rebels threaten. There may be a way which was not mentioned in … Continue reading Another way

For the PM and leader of the opposition to argue about housing during Question Time is welcome. At long last a difficult question is receiving attention across the political divide at the highest level. The government decision to delay the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill so it can bring forward new proposals in due course … Continue reading Housing deficit, Tory pain.

Another voice has joined the chorus, Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer says the Prime Minister, by failing to push through planning reform kills off the dream of home ownership. In his reply, at Question Time in the House this week the Prime Minister revealed his solution, by staying silent. How sad this is. You might … Continue reading The PM is silent.

The government has delayed the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, either due to lack of time, or more likely due to a group of 50 Conservative MP’s signing an amendment removing the Whitehall imposed housing targets on local councils. Simon Clarke, who was a former levelling up secretary has issued a balanced response, saying “There … Continue reading Housing Policy: the vacuum continues

Government appointed appeals Inspector B.J.Sims, in his report on plans for 220 dwellings on a greenfield site on the edge of Swindon recognises the council’s disquiet but says the contributions offered by the developer are the most that can (be) brought forward on the agreed evidence of viability. Deciding an appeal for housing in the … Continue reading Another myth: viability

If you sometimes wonder what part of the housing market is broken, stories in The Times today (14 November 2022) make plain the magnitude of the problem. Fresh swathes of the countryside must never be touched the advocates say. Given the rich literary heritage spread throughout England this contentious issue could be another green belt: … Continue reading Literary Landscapes

Sad but it seems Rushi Sunak is another muddled PM. He too is committed to making home ownership a reality for a new generation , and encouragingly states we must build the homes in the right places where people want to live and work. This is good stuff. He wants the decisions taken locally. Quite … Continue reading Muddle or mad?

If existing residents want the new houses in their home area, they will happen. But how? In England, is it possible? Our new King has produced compelling evidence that it is possible. Hugh Graham (Sunday Times, 6 November 2022; Was Charles streets ahead) says new houses in Poundbury carry a 29% premium over new build … Continue reading Popular places are possible.

The new housing minister, Lucy Frazer is well intentioned, like all her predecessors. That is good. Rightly she says ‘what people often object to isn’t always homes, it’s about ugly large developments that are crowbarred without their consent into their areas…..’. Widespread recognition at all levels that current house prices and rents are excessive is … Continue reading Leaders must Concentrate