How can the housing crisis be addressed without exacerbating the nature and climate crises?
The Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years will be under the spotlight next week as the Environmental Audit Committee questions whether the commitment is compatible with protecting the environment.
Meeting details
The National Housing Federation, Shelter and the Future Homes Hub will appear on the first panel, discussing – among other issues – how affordable housing can be delivered without harming the environment, mechanisms to enhance nature and biodiversity, and the role of local voices in the planning process.
The second panel will then feature representatives from the Connected Places Catapult, The Wildlife Trusts and a Professor of Built Environment Decarbonisation. This discussion will focus on housebuilding, nature and infrastructure with likely questioning around what local infrastructure is needed to support the sustainable increase in housing, the possible impact of planning reforms on the environment and to what extent existing buildings can be retrofitted to meet the demand for housing.
The evidence session follows EAC Chair Toby Perkins questioning the Prime Minister in December 2024 on the Government’s commitment to suitably consider the environment in its planning reforms.