Government sets up team of planning experts to work with councils on accelerating buildout

According to the Government, the group – referred to as the 'New Homes Accelerator' – will be sent to help unstick around 200 identified sites that have outline or detailed planning permission but where work has not yet begun.

These sites could deliver up to 300,000 homes.  

The Ministry has also identified further sites at Stretton Hall in Leicestershire, Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community in Essex, and Biggleswade Garden Community in Central Bedfordshire, which have the potential to unlock more than 10,000 new homes when completed. 

In a statement announcing the launch, the Ministry said the team "will hit the ground running by bringing together key players, including government agencies, local planning departments and housebuilders".

The group will work to resolve specific local issues and deploy planning experts to work through blockages at each site identified.

Alongside this, the group could also help provide resources to support local planning capacity where there are barriers and work to make sure planning decisions are made in a timely fashion, the Government said.

The New Homes Accelerator was first announced as part of the Chancellor's speech outlining the Government's national mission to drive growth in July.

A call for evidence has also been launched asking landowners, local authorities and housebuilders to come forward with details of blocked sites that have significant planning issues.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Local Government, said: "This Government has a moral obligation to do everything within our power to build the homes that people desperately need and we won't hesitate to intervene where we need to. 

"Our New Homes Accelerator will quickly identify blockages, fix problems and support local authorities and developers to get shovels in the ground."

Commenting on the launch, Cllr Claire Holland, Housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association, said: "Working together to unblock stalled sites through the New Homes Accelerator will deliver more of the homes we need and help to reduce councils' reliance on temporary accommodation and to tackle homelessness.  

"This announcement is a positive step, and we are pleased with the Government's intention to work in genuine partnership with councils and other key development partners to remove barriers to development whilst protecting the environment."

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, also welcomed the announcement, noting that he looks forward to "working closely with Ministers on the action and investment needed to accelerate the delivery of new homes".

Adam Carey