What do major housebuilders make of Government’s planning reforms? MPs continue inquiry into housebuilding and sustainability
On Wednesday 7 May, the Environmental Audit Committee will question housing developers on how plans to build new homes can be delivered without undermining environmental goals.
Meeting details
The Committee is running an inquiry into environmental sustainability and housing growth, exploring how the Government is balancing its plans to “back the builders, not the blockers” with its environmental objectives.
Witnesses will include representatives from major housebuilders such as Berkeley as well as those focused on smaller markets. Another panel will see MPs hear from a representative of Nansledan, a sustainable housing development owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.
MPs are likely to ask witnesses for their views on the Government’s planning reforms, whether there is a trade-off between house building and nature, and who or what constitute the main blockages to building more homes.
They may also ask the witnesses for their views on the perception that developers delay housebuilding once planning permission is received, in order to maximise the value of the land.
Amid the Government’s proposal for a new Nature Restoration Fund, MPs are also likely to ask about the future of policies like Biodiversity Net Gain, aimed at balancing house building with nature, as well as nutrient neutrality rules.