New homes must have local support. This cannot be achieved by one party in isolation, nor can it be done within a five year Parliament and it cannot happen if landowners are treated, as they see it, unfairly. 50 years of housing policy failure is proof. On Friday 23 May 2023) the Financial Times published … Continue reading Is local politics a barrier?
2084! Is it futile to look so far ahead?
Is looking two generations ahead unrealistic? It is necessary. Most communities simply do not want new homes near them. Local opposition and local anger grows each year from all corners of the political spectrum except the young. But we are short of 4+ million new homes and due to the impact of an ageing population … Continue reading 2084! Is it futile to look so far ahead?
Democratic frustration defies reality?
May 2023 local elections demonstrate the deep rooted opposition to local change. There is growing conflict between local fears and national needs. New mechanisms to balance and resolve these clashes are overdue. Local council elections on 4th May 2023 have thrown intense light on the widespread anger and resentment in many local areas held by … Continue reading Democratic frustration defies reality?
Labour’s new compulsory purchase policy: a flaw
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
Rbwn V Slough Council
Between the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Slough Council and South Buckinghamshire, an informative housing conflict exists. Long before the 4th May local elections, RBWM & Slough had locked horns.The three councils face a spatial problem, (13,500 new homes are foot-loose); a cross border problem, (Slough has the housing shortfall, but no land; RBWM … Continue reading Rbwn V Slough Council
Labour planning policy: 2nd ps!
More helpful, encouraging, yet worrying details of Labour’s thinking is emerging. Some commentary is necessary. Labour must keep their eye on the paramount objective, providing the large number of new homes needed but only with local support. There will be a transition period ahead. This means being extremely careful not to be sided-lined by short-term, … Continue reading Labour planning policy: 2nd ps!
Labour policy: a ps
Before turning to the problems of housing supply in Windsor, Slough and Maidenhead as mentioned in my last blog, new public comments by Sir Keir Starmer and from Labour’s shadow housing and planning minister, Matthew Pennycock, need context, if the dangers of housing stasis by a Labour government are to be avoided. Sir Keir says … Continue reading Labour policy: a ps
Get real + local support
Local elections two weeks ago have fired up the planning debate. This is good news. For too long both main parties turned their back on housing policy. And the Liberal Democrats propensity to jump into the void created by local frustration explains why. Let’s just get into power, is their motto. Best not to ask … Continue reading Get real + local support
Tory housing policy split
The Prime Minister, responding to Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to be on the side of the builders not blockers, says the Tories will not build houses on green spaces. His colleague Michael Gove, Levelling Up Secretary says he is not opposed to all building on green belt land, if the new places are beautiful. This … Continue reading Tory housing policy split
Tackling vested interests
Sir Keir Starmer, in his interview with the Times Political Editor Steven Swinford, vowed to be tough enough to take on vested interests, accusing developers and landowners of building too little housing in order to drive up prices. This is a hostile, poorly informed accusation which will antagonise an important and powerful section of the … Continue reading Tackling vested interests