Planning system 'biggest hurdle' for new homes plan

Local planning systems are the "biggest hurdle" in delivering proposals to build thousands of affordable homes, say housing associations set to receive millions of pounds in government funds.

Magna Housing will receive £250m over 10 years to build 1,500 new homes and Stonewater will get £350m to create 2,000 homes across the country - both of which largely serve Somerset.

The news has been welcomed by Somerset Council and its Liberal Democrat lead for communities, Federica Smith-Roberts, who acknowledged its planning team continued to face "challenges".

The government said it was working closely with councils like Somerset to "understand where barriers may remain to council housebuilding".

Matt Crucefix, from Stonewater Housing Association, highlighted that on average it should take about three months for a planning application to be processed but, nationally, the average was more than 12 months.

"The biggest hurdle for us really at the moment is planning in terms of the planning system across the country, but also within the county whereby there's a real shortfall in planners who are able to fast-track planning applications," he said.

Selina White, chief executive for Manga Housing, said the money would give them "certainty", but also highlighted a need for a good local planning system.

"Identification of land is a key unlock for what we're doing. We need a smooth, well-running planning system to be able to get those applications through as quickly as possible," she said.

However, she said it was "not just about building homes".

"Building homes, especially affordable homes, gives a great boost to the local economy as well," she added.

Smith-Roberts said the local authority had been "open and honest" about planning "challenges".

"There is a challenge around that ability," she explained.

"I, personally, have said to my children and friends' children, maybe look at becoming a planner as a career opportunity."

She said another issue was the local authority's historic debt of £130m from when the council house financing system changed in 2012.

"If we weren't carrying that debt that we are carrying we would be able to deliver hundreds of more homes. We would be able to build in excess of 600 homes.

"I hope Andy Burnham and the government are listening," Smith-Roberts added.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the funding was the first step in its £39bn "commitment".

"We're also working closely with councils like Somerset to understand where barriers may remain to council housebuilding," they said.

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