Award-winning developer William Davis Homes has welcomed the government’s plan to reform the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), describing it as an important step forward for the industry.
In a statement to the House of Commons, the deputy prime minister and housing secretary, Angela Rayner, gave more details about the government’s planned overhaul of the planning rules in England.
The changes include the introduction of mandatory housing targets for local authorities, an overhaul of the standard method to calculate these targets and an official introduction of ‘grey belt’ land into planning policy.
Angela Rayner said the government’s original yearly target of 300,000 homes would be increased to just over 370,000. This would help deliver a promise of 1.5m new homes by 2029.
William Davis Homes has eleven ‘live’ developments across the East and West Midlands, with a number of further sites in the pipeline.
The company’s Operations Director, David Dodge, said the government’s reforms were encouraging news for a sector which has faced a number of challenges in recent years:
“The government’s recent commitments to house building are an important first step forward for the industry as a more progressive planning system removes a key barrier to delivery.” said Mr Dodge.
“Alongside the rest of the house building sector, Wiliam Davis Homes stands ready to support the government’s plans for housing, providing skills and contributing to economic growth.
“We have already launched new phases for several of our current developments and are looking to commence development on several brand new schemes in the future.
“As a local housebuilder with offices in the East and West Midlands, we are committed to continue to blend our directly employed labour force with a local supply chain to maximise investment in the communities that we develop within.”
Mr Dodge also welcomed plans to recruit 300 more planning officers across the country. “This is definitely a step in the right direction,” he added. “The ability of housebuilders to deliver the new homes that are required relies on an effective planning system which is well resourced.”
William Davis Homes has a strong track record of creating new, thriving communities and Mr Dodge said the company was looking forward to playing an important role in fulfilling the country’s future housing needs.
