As the new Government continues to implement its policy changes the sector monitors their impact closely. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) changes affect providers' ability to develop and the recent amendments are of note. A proposition that half of homes built on low-grade greenbelt land must be affordable has been dropped by ministers after they claim it would lessen financial viability of some sites. Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework will now classify lower quality greenbelt land as "grey belt" and open it up for redevelopment. By dropping this proposal, it should make it easier for developers to build homes in the greenbelt, where this would previously only be permitted under "very special circumstances".

Instead, grey-belt developments would be required to have 15 per cent more affordable housing than the standard for other developments, up to a 50 per cent cap. The justification for such changes in proposals is that there would be a risk that the grey belt sites would become unviable. Without the increased flexibility, there would be a risk that some grey-belt sites were impractical for housing development, as land of this type is often costly to clean up and prepare for housing. Matthew Pennycook, housing minister cited "the desire to avoid developers asking for case-by-case exceptions to the 50% requirements by having a clear standard that reflected the cost of land in different parts of the country" as another justification. However, Kevin Hollinrake, shadow communities secretary, said the changes “will mean fewer affordable homes” and accused the government of pursuing a “war on rural England”.

If you have any queries on this or other AH issues, please contact WBD's Affordable Housing team (tagged above).


This article was also authored by Josephine Farnhill, Managing Paralegal at Womble Bond Dickinson.

This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice.