ADEPT warn Government over pitfalls of the Housing and Planning Bill

ADEPT, the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport have warned the government that elements of the Housing and Planning Bill are “potentially harmful”.

ADEPT have called upon the government to reconsider elements of the Bill, which is currently in the committee stage. With concerns that it may be “potentially harmful to regeneration and economic prosperity”, they say that a short-term approach to Starter Homes will cause problems in the future.

From this, they are calling for an amendment to the Bill so that “the restrictions on sales and letting at open market value of Starter Homes are in perpetuity”. It argues that if this amendment isn’t passed, Starter Homes can be resold or let at open market value five years after the initial sale and affordability cannot be maintained, allowing purchasers to reap “a windfall” at a later date, pushing up prices.

Simon Neilson, chair of ADEPT’s Planning, Housing and Regeneration Board said: “We are asking the Government to reconsider its approach in two key areas – guaranteeing affordability for Starter Homes over the long term and reviewing how industrial land is redefined for housing use.

“The Government needs to recognise the potential consequences of the Bill as it stands. Affordable housing is essential, but not just for the next five years. At the same time we must not lose land that can contribute to economic regeneration and jobs.”

ADEPT is the voice of Local Authority county, unitary and metropolitan Strategic Place Directors across England with responsibility for the key place based services, including transport, environment, planning, economic development, housing and waste.

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