As a RICS surveyor, I welcome Steve Reed MP to his new role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. His appointment comes at a critical time for our built environment, and I hope it signals a new, pragmatic approach to the housing crisis.
We’ve all heard the ambition: 1.5 million new homes. But when we look at developments on the ground, like the old gasworks in Southall, we see a recurring pattern dominated by flats. While they have a role to play, this focus risks taking us back to a post-war Britain of high-rise flats and no communities. We are not just building for buildings’ sake; we should be building for people and for the future. We need more family homes that are sustainable for generations.
So, I have two direct questions for the new Secretary of State:
- Is the 1.5 million target truly realistic, or is it time for a more nuanced strategy that focuses on quality over quantity?
- What specific incentives will be introduced for developers to build the family homes we desperately need? And crucially, how will you simplify the complex, costly, and often delayed planning process for all concerned?
The industry stands ready to help. We need a planning system that is easier to navigate and that encourages innovative, community-focused solutions. Let’s work together to build homes that create real communities, not just housing units to achieve unachievable targets.
What’s the single biggest change you would make to the UK’s planning process to help solve the housing crisis?
