Some aspects of Labour’s draft housing policies are promising. But others are confused. The function  of green belts is an example. Are they to be a public amenity? 90% of open countryside is private - public access  is denied.  According to Housing Today (Joey Gardiner, 26 June 2023);the shadow housing secretary Lisa Nandy says if … Continue reading Labour housing policy: worthy start?

Labour propose buying some land for new housing at below open market value. If confirmed, this is a momentous error. Ignoring deeply entrenched senses of right and wrong is high risk. Overseas examples overlook a key difference. Their transition period is finished. In England it has not started. The land lobby is powerful, patient and … Continue reading Labour’s new compulsory purchase policy: a flaw