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House builders and local government agree terms on delivering housing development

House builders and local government agree terms on delivering housing development
The Local Housing Delivery Group has today published its dual review of Local Plan viability testing and local standards for new housing developments.

The two reports are seen as a breakthrough in joint working and set out clear route maps to help local planners ensure local plans are viable and can be delivered by house builders.Sir John Harman, who chaired the joint group, said there was significant scope to simplify the standards regime.

He urged Government to consolidate existing housing standards to ensure they meet the aspirations of local communities.

"This group demonstrates what can be achieved through the voluntary collaboration of the industry when addressing a key challenge - planning the further supply of new homes.

“I believe the resulting advice on viability will be invaluable for planning practitioners as they seek to balance sustainable development for local communities with realistic returns for landowners and developers.”

The group was established at the request of Housing Minister Grant Shapps to help address the current chronic housing crisis.

Its report Viability Testing Local Plans provides a step-by-step guide to carrying out a plan viability assessment.

This pinpoints key factors to be taken into account and sets out how to arrive at a benchmark land value, which will enable land to come forward, while ensuring sustainable development meeting local social, economic and environmental needs.

Stewart Baseley, Executive Chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said: "England has an acute housing supply crisis and local authorities have a critical role to play in enabling home builders to meet the country’s housing needs.

“This unique collaboration between home builders and local government will help local authorities ensure sufficient sites for desperately needed housing are viable and can be developed."

Cllr Ed Turner, Member of the LGA Environment and Housing Board, said: "We believe that communities, developers and land-owners all benefit from local authorities and developers working together closely.

“The advice being put forward by local government and industry should help councils develop local plans which encourage the new development needed, but also make sure it is truly sustainable, and provides the necessary investment in affordable homes and new facilities.”

Read the reports:

A Review of Local Standards for the Delivery of New Homes

Viability Testing Local Plans - Advice for planning practitioners

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