Small Developers Group

24 June, 2015 (noon - 4 p.m.)

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SMALL DEVELOPERS GROUP

We are very mindful of the particular needs of smaller developers. Throughout the downturn we stressed to Government the importance of SMEs playing a part if we are to see significant overall increases in housing supply – and pushed Government hard for policies to allow them to deliver and to encourage new firms to enter the market.

We brought together a group of housing developers to talk to HCA and DCLG officials about the Government’s proposals for expanding custom build and the role house builders could play. We have arranged meetings and one-to-one discussions between smaller developers and officials at DCLG and the Cabinet Office to discuss the barriers faced by SMEs, especially development finance.

As a result of this work we have seen a number of developments aimed at assisting SMEs including;

Builders Finance Fund. A £525M fund to get sites of between 15 and 250 units underway.

Custom build. Government announced a £150M loan fund to bring forward ‘shovel ready’ sites of five or more plots for custom build housing.

Affordable Housing. The proposal to restrict S106 Affordable Housing demands to sites of 10 or more units is a direct response to the needs of SMEs.

Reduced carbon homes policy. New homes built on ‘smaller’ sites will be exempt from the requirement to achieve Code level 5 Energy.

Help to Buy.  We have also helped coordinate meetings with HCA officials at which smaller developers can discuss the detailed operation of the Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme. Over 1300 builders are now signed up, the majority of which are SMEs.

If you need any further information please get in touch with Marian Macdonald.

 Email: marian.macdonald@hbf.co.uk

 Tel: 0207 960 1605