In a speech on July 21, 2023, Housing Secretary Michael Gove announced plans to relax planning rules in England in an effort to create more homes. The changes, which are due to come into effect in September 2023, will make it easier to convert empty retail premises and betting shops into flats and houses.

Gove said that the changes were necessary to “meet our manifesto target of delivering one million new homes in this Parliament.” He also argued that the changes would help to “regenerate town and city centres” and “create jobs.”

The changes have been met with mixed reactions. Some have welcomed the move, arguing that it will help to address the UK’s housing crisis. Others have expressed concerns that the changes could lead to a decline in the quality of new homes and a loss of local character.

Only time will tell whether the changes will have the desired effect. However, they are a significant step in the government’s efforts to address the UK’s housing crisis.

Here are some of the key changes to the planning rules:

  • It will be easier to convert empty retail premises and betting shops into flats and houses.
  • There will be a new “permitted development” right that will allow developers to build up to six homes on a single plot of land without having to apply for planning permission.
  • The government will also be investing £1.5 billion in a new “brownfield regeneration fund” to help to bring empty and derelict buildings back into use.

The government argues that these changes will help to:

  • Create more homes
  • Regenerate town and city centres
  • Create jobs
  • Improve the quality of new homes

However, there are some concerns about the changes, including:

  • That they could lead to a decline in the quality of new homes
  • That they could lead to a loss of local character
  • That they could exacerbate the problem of gentrification

Only time will tell whether the changes will have the desired effect. However, they are a significant step in the government’s efforts to address the UK’s housing crisis.

What do you think of the changes to the planning rules? Do you think they will help to address the UK’s housing crisis?

Images provided by Pexels