Review: Politics of Planning Breakfast Roundtable with Clive Betts MP
SP Broadway was delighted to welcome Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee as guest speaker at our latest Politics of Planning Breakfast Roundtable that took place at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall on 28th February.
Attendees from Taylor Wimpey, Lichfields, Inspired Villages and more all contributed to the discussion on the Government’s Levelling Up Bill and the proposed changes to the NPPF. Topics included the strengthening of local plans and the need for an effective mechanism to deliver sufficient affordable housing nationwide.
Clive gave an insightful overview of the current status of the Levelling Up Bill and updated guests on the progress of the NPPF consultation. A discussion took place regarding how ‘brownfield first’ policies have resulted in elderly care developers being consistently outbid for sites by larger home builders. The planning system as a whole was also a key theme, with some suggesting that the common perception of the Green Belt as sacrosanct, coupled with urban authorities not taking their fair share of housing, has led to a significant shortfall in the number of new, affordable homes being built. However, arguably the most popular view among those present was that the current uncertainty surrounding national planning policy is a major hinderance to housing delivery that the Government needs to address as a matter of urgency.
We would like to place on record our thanks to Clive Betts MP and guests for attending and contributing to such an interesting discussion. Our next online event with Cllr John Fuller OBE, Leader of South Norfolk Council will be taking place Thursday 23rd March.
If you would like to attend any of our forthcoming events, please email jack@spbroadway.com
