Member

The Government state that they want to build 1.5 million homes. Although this is not the only issue impacting the housing market, I argue that simply by refusing to give the big companies more planning permission until they develop what they already have, we can unlock sites already approved rather than risk urbanising our vital green belt— something this Labour Government are attempting to do with the Bill. Surely it is of the utmost importance that we ensure that we do not lose yet more of our countryside and agricultural land by allowing yet more planning permission when there is already planning permission not utilised in the area. This would arguably invigorate the market, compelling homes to be built without having to go through the timely requirements of getting planning permission or force forward the decision to sell surplus land if projects are no longer viable. The Minister failed to reply on this point at Second Reading. What assessment have the Government made of this potential building pipeline and ability to meet their housing targets if all land banks were brought into service? Also, have they attempted to map whether they match areas where there is most need and demand is strongest?