Tuesday 26th July 2011 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Government draft proposals to streamline the planning system are essential if we are to avert a housing crisis and build the homes that this country needs says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Responding to the launch of the Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework, Brian Berry, FMB Director of External Affairs said:
“The proposal to streamline our complicated planning system and introduce a presumption in favour of sustainable development is welcome news. For too long the planning system has been a break on much needed development particularly for new homes, Currently we are only building half the number of new homes that we require to meet existing demand and with an increasing population and a rise in household formation as a result of more people living alone the need to build is becoming critical if we are to avert a housing crisis.”
Berry continued:
“The proposals to review Green Belt boundaries are also sensible because contrary to popular belief not all areas of the Green Belt are green and leafy. Carefully defined development can often be much more sustainable than the existing black and white approach to the Green Belt.”
Berry concluded:
“The planning reforms offer a sensible balance between economic growth and protecting the countryside and should be welcomed by everyone who wants homes and jobs in this country.”
