Number of new homes fell in Labour's first year but applications rise

Number of new homes fell in Labour's first year but applications rise

BBC News reporters Daniel Wainwright, Tarah Welsh, and Jemma Crew shed light on the housing crisis in England in a recent article. Despite a decrease in the number of new homes during Labour’s first year in office, there has been a notable increase in applications for new homes over the past six months. The article highlights that Planning Portal data showed a 49% rise in permission requests for new homes outside London between January and June compared to the previous year.

It is evident that the government inherited a severe housing crisis, as emphasized by a government spokesperson. The aim is to deliver on the target of building 1.5 million homes by the next election to restore the dream of homeownership. However, experts caution that without speeding up the decision-making process for applications, it could take an entire parliamentary term before new homes start to materialize. The article also mentions that the target of 1.5 million homes over five years in England is equivalent to 300,000 properties annually, a level of building not seen since the late 1960s.

The report spotlights individuals like Amber and Bella, who are currently living with their parents due to the high cost of moving out. In Milton Keynes, new homes are being constructed at a rate that aligns with the government’s targets. However, the situation in Eastbourne, Sussex, tells a different story with only 127 EPCs registered in the past 12 months against the target of 702 homes annually. People like Amber and Bella emphasize the need for more affordable housing, especially in areas where housing costs are prohibitive.

Furthermore, the article addresses the rise in planning applications for new homes, indicating a positive trend. While the process of turning these applications into completed homes may take time, there is optimism within the industry. The government is taking steps to expedite the process, including the implementation of a new AI tool for councils and requiring housebuilders to commit to building timelines before receiving permission. Overall, the housing crisis in England presents challenges and opportunities that demand a concerted effort from various stakeholders to address the issue effectively

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More