The Government has announced a series of reforms that will allow small and medium home builders to build more homes by simplifying planning rules, easing regulations, and boosting financial support, aiming to accelerate homebuilding on smaller sites.
The new reforms released today, Wednesday 28 May, aim to reverse the decline of SME builders, who have faced disproportionate planning hurdles despite their key role in job creation and training. The changes are in support of the Government's Plan for Change target of delivering 1.5 million homes and expanding homeownership opportunities across the UK.
Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive at the Home Builders Federation, said: “ Measures to support SME builders are very welcome and crucial to the industry’s ability to deliver. Over recent decades, the increasingly complex and challenging operating environment has resulted in a dramatic fall in the number of SME house builders."
"Smaller builders play a crucial role and, if the policy environment allows, can make a major contribution towards the ambitious housing targets set by ministers. However, whilst these changes are welcome, unless the Government addresses the more significant barriers to delivery, housing supply will remain suppressed."
"The lack of government support for buyers amidst a dearth of affordable mortgage lending, and housing associations' inability to take on the affordable housing developers provide, continues to prevent house builders of all sizes from accelerating output."