Housebuilding in England Set to Fall to WWII Levels

At a glance

• Supply of new housing in England is likely to fall below 120,000 homes annually
• Changes to planning policy and environmental regulations are to blame
• Government dropped compulsory target of building 300,000 new homes each year
• Natural England requires planners to take into account recreational pressure on certain sites
• Government must take action to ensure necessary housing is built

The details

Housebuilding in England Set to Fall to Lowest Level Since WWII

The supply of new housing is likely to fall below 120,000 homes annually over the coming years, less than half of the government’s target. This will leave England with a huge shortfall of new homes, exacerbating the country’s housing crisis.

Changes to Planning Policy and Environmental Regulations to Blame

Changes to planning policy and over-strict enforcement of environmental regulations are to blame. Last year, Michael Gove, the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, made changes to the NPPF that would make it easier for local authorities to refuse planning permission. This included dropping the government’s compulsory target of building 300,000 new homes each year, making it voluntary instead.

Natural England is also getting in the way of new housebuilding, requiring that planners take into account whether new developments would put “recreational pressure” on certain sites such as national parks.

Government Must Take Action to Address Issue

It is essential that the government takes action to address this issue and ensure that the necessary housing is built to meet the needs of the population.