UDIA National’s Post

HARWORTH’S BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH ✅ We need to refocus our planning system.   Planning is one of the first building blocks of sustainable development. But the system is more time consuming and complex than ever before.   Squeezed local authority resources are slowing down the process, creating major delays. Our Chief Executive Lynda Shillaw hosted a panel on Planning Reform at UKREiiF, a poll taken during that panel showed 93% of the room said we need to put more resources into planning. Uncertainty is deterring private sector investment and preventing regional economic growth. There’s a lack of joined-up thinking in the delivery of strategic infrastructure, housing and employment space. New regulatory requirements are creating complexity for developers, while outdated policies around the Green Belt and undersupply of brownfield land are preventing development from happening at scale. There’s consensus that reform is needed, but what about the specifics? In our Blueprint for Growth – recently launched at UKREiiF – we discuss this further and set out what we see as the solutions, including: 📝 Create a regional planning regime for large-scale regeneration projects – enabling decisions to be taken at a strategic level by elected members and officers 📝 Give mayoral combined authorities more responsibility for spatial planning – this is happening via Greater Manchester Combined Authority Places for Everyone, and Harworth is working closely with local authorities including Bolton Council, Wigan Council, Bury Council and Rochdale Borough Council to deliver sustainable regeneration that supports regional growth 📝 Provide greater flexibility for schemes with transformational opportunity to be approved outside of local plans 📝 Increase resources for planning authorities – and use Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs) for larger schemes to secure dedicated resources Read more in our Blueprint for Growth here: https://lnkd.in/et7DkaYe #planning #growth #regeneration

An interesting blueprint for growth from Harworth Group plc , with one of the key solutions being quicker decision making. To enable this, we needed clearer and more concise guidance, particularly regarding design quality. The format of these, design briefs/codes/guidance whatever the chosen vehicle is, needs to be understandable, useful to both applicant and decision maker, but crucially they need to be cognisant of commercial viability and delivery. This may mean that the authors of the next wave of design guidance may need to reach out wider to gain greater insights from those across the industry. #delivery #placemaking #masterplanning

The Commission is set to launch the European Housing Alliance next year, aiming to pinpoint investment requirements, amass investment commitments, and share expertise. Additionally, the proposal includes organizing a yearly summit to unite builders, urban planning specialists, and an energy-efficiency financing coalition. #EuropeanHousing #InvestmentAlliance #UrbanPlanning

Highlights from the Webinar on the Draft Revised National Planning Framework On 18th July, Brian Hughes attended the Irish Planning Institute's webinar on the draft revised National Planning Framework (NPF). The event featured experts like Claragh Mulhern MIPI, Colm O'Callaghan (American Chamber of Commerce), Killian Woods (Business Post, moderator), John Ring, CFA (Savills), and Conor O'Connell (Construction Industry Federation). Key Takeaways: - Balanced Regional Development: The revised NPF aims for 50% population growth in the Eastern and Midland regions and 50% in the Southern, Northern, and Western regions. - Sustainable Communities: New strategies focus on sustainable communities through transport-oriented development (TOD) by 2040. - Climate and Digitalisation: The revision addresses sectoral emission targets and digitalisation impacts on work, retail, and commuting. - Population Projections: ESRI projects a population of 5.7 million by 2030 and 6.1 million by 2040, requiring significant housing and infrastructure development. - Housing Demand: Projected housing demand is 44,000 units per annum to 2030 and 40,000 units per annum to 2040 plus unmet demand. - Institutional Reforms: Potential reforms focus on land acquisition, residential zoned land tax, land value sharing, and urban development zones. - Stakeholder Engagement: Next steps include public consultation, engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee, and consideration of submissions for the revised NPF approval by October 2024. Panel Discussion Highlights: - Unit Construction: Concerns were raised about the falling ratio of units under construction due to limited land availability. - Planning Challenges: Unpredictable decision timelines and court processes hinder efficient planning. - Streamlining Processes: Streamlining and prioritizing key infrastructure projects are essential for balanced regional development. Nearly 45% of companies in the American Chamber of Commerce took almost two years for planning approval. - Brownfield Development: Government policy support for brownfield site viability is crucial for meeting development targets. - Infrastructure Project Resourcing: Local governments face challenges in resourcing large infrastructure projects. Next Steps: The consultation period for the draft NPF is open until 5 pm, Thursday, 12th September 2024. This is a crucial opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to shaping Ireland’s future development. Stay informed and ensure your voice is heard. Connect with us to discuss how these changes can impact your business and how you can contribute to the planning process. #NationalPlanningFramework #UrbanDevelopment #RegionalDevelopment #FutureOfIreland

On 17 April under the rapporteurship of Andres Jaadla the plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted an opinion that calls for better policy coordination and financial support for social housing, with a focus on sustainable architecture. Indeed, the opinion underlines the insufficient renovation rates for residential buildings that are putting immense pressure on local and regional authorities. CoR members recommend that European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF) be used to deliver new social housing.  The rapporteur Andres Jaadla stated that talking about the housing crisis at EU level does not aim to take social competence away from Member States but aims to drive cooperation at all levels of government to deliver a European housing agenda and to boost investment into new housing and renovation. https://lnkd.in/eZKkt-P2 #housingcrisis #affordablehousing #sustainableconstruction

It was good to see a full house at the recent planning conference organised by the British Property Federation in conjunction with the POS (Planning Officers Society) 🏳️🌈. I joined a panel with Michael Meadows, Jennie Baker, Richard Hickman, chaired by Charlie Reid, where we debated the key changes in the emerging, and now imminent, new NPPF, including the requirements of both the private and public sectors to support growth. Key themes were the importance of providing sufficient land for fast growing commercial sectors, such as logistics, alongside the need for enabling infrastructure. We discussed how accelerating housing delivery is critical for both social and economic advancement, and mused over whether brownfield passports and upcoming National Development Management Policies can help provide more clarity and certainty for investment. We then heard a fascinating discussion with Catriona Riddell, Roy Pinnock, Nick Graham, and chaired by Dave Trimingham on how the Government is likely to approach its objective of universal coverage of sub-regional strategic plans by 2029, with the focus on working with existing administrative boundaries and potentially following the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) approach used with the London Plan. While the panel debated the pros and cons of the SDS model, there was a firm consensus that strategic planning is going to be essential to enable economic growth, infrastructure planning, Green Belt release, and the distribution of housing, in a sustainable and plan-led way. The final session chaired by Ian Fletcher, with @Sasha Gordon, Victoria McKeegan, Andrew Taylor FRTPI, and Mike Kiely debated whether the existing system of developer contributions should be reformed to enable the growth agenda. The debate highlighted key questions of whether the system should focus on mitigating the impacts of development, or serve as a levy to enable wider investment in infrastructure; should levies be set on a national or local basis; and should they extend to include the types of social infrastructure that has historically been funded through general taxation. The prevailing view was that the system should focus on making development acceptable, and at the same time provide more predictability on the cost that will be borne by development, whilst demonstrating to local communities that the necessary infrastructure will be provided in those areas that are enabling growth. A big thank you to Claire Dutch and her team at Ashurst for hosting us on the day and to Sam Bensted and colleagues for organising the event.

An article worth reading for those working on city and regional deal proposals. It’s about thinking at a system level about how all parts of the system benefit. This quote from Patrick McVeigh Beca is on point. “McVeigh said as New Zealand regions considered their strengths and aspirations, working across borders could also make it easier to bring the private sector on board. “To get the most benefit out of these deals, we need to ensure that we are thinking through interventions at a sufficient scale to make them interesting and engaging for the private sector. “For example, if we are looking to attract private sector investment into new housing developments, then there has to be enough deal flow for that to be attractive to private capital, and that may mean we need to be working across multiple geographies to ensure there’s sufficient opportunity in any deal for a private investor or developer.” For those looking to understand more on the opportunities for aligned housing and urban development at a strategic level, the Eke Panuku response to Mayor Wayne Browns Mayoral Proposal on CCOs (in connection with the annual plan 2025/2026) released today (but dated 14 November) also contains some great insights into the benefits that can be achieved and the problems to be addressed. You can access a copy of that here: https://lnkd.in/gWfzjh5w

Starmer’s key messages for the world of development: “Britain says yes.” - By Duncan Enright of The CCP It wasn’t the restatement of the 1.5 million homes target that caught the breath, though the Prime Minister admitted it was a stretching target. Nor was it the explicit link of more building to higher living standards and economic growth. Today the unveiling by Sir Keir Starmer of the Plan for Change, a set of “measurable milestones” for the key missions, featured new promises, including permission and progress on 150 new major infrastructure projects - and the bold message to Nimbys - “Britain says yes” to development and investment. The PM attached the target of 150 major infrastructure projects to go along with the 1.5 million new homes promised in this Parliament. He said this would “send a very clear message to the nimbies, the regulators, the blockers, the bureaucrats, the alliance of naysayers, the people who say ‘no, Britain can’t do this, we can’t get things done in our country’. We say to them: ‘You no longer have the upper hand, Britain says yes’. Because whether you like it or not, we are building a future for working people, making our country strong with stability, investment and reform.” No stronger message for building the future, not “managed decline”, has been made before by the government. It’s now up to us all to make it happen.

Peel Waters 📣 “TREASURY APPROVAL - Today the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves has confirmed Treasury approval of a £56m investment from Homes England into our Central Docks neighbourhood within Liverpool Waters. The funding will support the creation of a new public park and vital infrastructure that will accommodate approximately 2,350 new homes at Liverpool Waters and is all part of the government’s plans to build 1.5 million new homes across the UK in the next five years.” Chris Capes, Development Director of Liverpool Waters commented: “The challenges faced when regenerating brownfield sites means collaboration and partnerships like this are vital. This is a great example of central, regional and local government working alongside the private sector to kick start regeneration, attract inward investment, and deliver much needed new homes. “Investment by Homes England in this infrastructure will help lever in at least ten times the amount from the private sector, leading to the complete transformation of the Central Docks neighbourhood and the creation of an inclusive, distinctive and healthy new community. “Work will start immediately on final stage designs, surveys and site preparation, with the main works starting next spring.” Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eCViEZcQ

Having reflected on this afternoon's budget announcement, I feel empowered following its delivery from the country’s first female Chancellor. However, I also can't help but feel slightly underwhelmed. Planning and development appeared to be at the forefront of the new Labour Government's priorities throughout their election campaign, so it was disappointing to see the industry mentioned fairly infrequently throughout the budget - although I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked given the 'tactical damage control' from the Government this week by releasing several announcements relating to various delays to infrastructure delivery etc... Despite a seemingly lackluster budget, there are some positive takeaways for the East of England worth noting: 🏘️ Affordable Housing In a bid to unlock Cambridge's full growth potential, an exciting £10 million investment set to drive growth in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor will empower the Cambridge Growth Company to boost housing, transport and infrastructure while advancing East West Rail. The investment will support the life sciences industry by unlocking private investment helping to solidify Cambridge as a globally renowned centre of excellence and its important role within the Industrial Strategy. The budget included promises to invest in housing, including more than £5 billion to deliver housing plans. £500 million has been added to the Affordable Homes Programme to kickstart what is being described as the biggest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation. Whilst this increased funding for the AHP is a welcomed addition, do we think that the 5k additional affordable homes this will build even scratches the surface of the need this country currently faces? 🚧Infrastructure Development A pledge to get Britain moving again and drive regional growth and innovation through infrastructure delivery is included within the Budget. Starting next year, East West Rail will connect Oxford, Milton Keynes, and Cambridge, creating new opportunities for housing and research hubs to support the Cambridge life sciences cluster. With expansion to Bedford planned by 2030, the government is seeking to launch a consultation to drive the next stages forward. 🏥Life Sciences As a central part of the growth mission, the Industrial Strategy will deliver the certainty and stability businesses need to invest in the UK’s growth-driving sectors. Its primary objective is to drive growth. Cambridge's life sciences cluster is being supported by taking the next steps in delivering East West Rail, to connect the laboratories, industrial parks, and housing needed. In summary, the Government is committed to supporting Cambridge's growth potential. The delivery of East West Rail will be crucial for enhancing housing and bolstering the life sciences industry across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor. Jade Uko Aleksis Butler