The Government is struggling to achieve their housebuilding goals. In their 2019 manifesto there was a pledge to build 300,000 homes annually. Unfortunately they have been unable to achieve it. They are looking into new ways to boost housing supply with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. However, a recent proposal for an amendment has been rejected by Labour peers. We want to have a look at this here, then if you need help from an architect in London, you can rely on us.

What was the proposal?

The current Government was proposing to remove the nutrient neutrality rules from the National Planning Policy Framework (NFFP). These were introduced in 2019. Their goal is to ensure that housing schemes would not result in higher levels of phosphates and nitrates in waterways. The idea is to ensure that we build new homes without further harming the environment.

According to the Home Builders Federation (HBF), many projects had to pause because of nutrient neutrality rules. They estimate as many as 41,000 homes per year have not been built. In total that is as many as 145,000.

As a result, the Government was pointing the finger directly at the rules as a reason for housing supply lagging. They therefore proposed to scrap them from the NFFP. It would have meant that local authorities would have had to assume that projects did not have a negative impact on the waterways, even if they did. As a top architect in London, we can see the huge issues here.

Refusal

The proposal was voted down by Labour peers in the House of Lords on 13th September. They said it was not acceptable to green-light water pollution to boost housing supply. In fact, they claim it was disingenuous to suggest that the only way to build was to compromise on the environmental law.

Architects had already spoken of their concerns about the plans. They know it is absolutely achievable to build homes while also preserving the environment and natural heritage. It just takes clear thinking and the right strategic leadership, particularly from Central Government.

Next steps

Because the proposal failed, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will go into the Commons without any changes to nutrient neutrality. MPs will have to debate it and decide whether to pass it. This will happen before the end of the year.

The Bill does include some important updates though. For one, it will remove the five year housing targets. RIBA had concerns about them in the first place, so that is a positive move. There will also be a change to ensure people are ‘building beautifully’. Climate mitigation and adaptation will also be a priority.

Do you want to discuss ideas with an architect in London?

Coffey Architects is a team you can rely on for different projects. We can design homes for various areas, including tricky spots such as near waterways. Our goal with every one is to ensure we consider the environment and minimise any impacts.

So, if you are thinking of building a new home or housing, we would love to help. Contact us and choose a top architect in London. We’ll give you the perfect support and creative solutions for any problems.