The government’s computer programme that decides where new houses should be built has been “updated” following derision from MPs – most notably by former prime minister Theresa May.
The ‘housing need formula’ will now prioritise house building planning on brownfield sites in the 20 biggest urban areas in England, meaning that areas such as the North and the Midlands will receive more focus and funding.
The government says it will also be revising its 80:20 rule, which results in most northern councils not being allowed to bid for 80 per cent of funds provided by Homes England to help with the building of new homes.
It adds that it wants to see more family homes being built and for councils to help “make the most of vacant buildings and underused land.”
The government has additionally stated that £100m will be allocated to a brownfield land release fund, which all English councils that did not benefit from the previous £400m brownfield fund will be able to bid for.
Housing secretary Robert Jenrick states: “The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated and magnified patterns that already existed, creating a generational opportunity for the repurposing of offices and retail as housing and for urban renewal.
“We want this to be an opportunity for a new trajectory for our major cities – one which helps to forge a new country beyond Covid – which is more beautiful, healthier, more prosperous, more neighbourly and where more people have the security and dignity of a home of their own”
Audley Group chief executive Nick Sanderson comments: “It’s not just a change to the algorithm that is needed to fix the government’s planning reforms. Location is not the only issue.
“Increasing the provision of specialist housing for people as they get older should be integral to any planning reform, but a blind eye continues to be turned. The government might have revisited where it builds houses, but it hasn’t looked at what is being built. I would urge greater emphasis on the need for specialist housing, and its numerous benefits, as an absolute priority.”
