A commitment to prioritize planning reforms for infrastructure and housing was unveiled today as one of the Government’s six key milestones in its newly launched National Plan for Change. Reports Contract Journal
Keir Starmer outlined a bold vision for a ‘mission-led Government,’ emphasizing reforms to create a planning system that is both pro-growth and pro-infrastructure.
If realized, this milestone aims to nearly triple the number of planning decisions made in the previous Parliament.
Starmer acknowledged that the transformative effects of increased homebuilding would only become evident by the third year of this Parliament. He also admitted that the Government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes was ambitious but necessary.
The renewed focus on infrastructure has rekindled optimism among contractors, particularly regarding the much-anticipated decision on the £9bn Lower Thames Crossing transport project, which has faced delays.
Looking ahead, Starmer announced plans for the Government to publish comprehensive ten-year strategies for housing and infrastructure next spring. These strategies will outline clear priorities, actionable plans, and a robust pipeline of projects designed to attract investment and bolster supply chains.
In the document he states: “This is an ambitious milestone for change. It will require a rate of housebuilding and infrastructure construction not seen in over 50 years. In all these areas, we are taking swift action – but it will take time before that translates into delivery.
“Lead times in planning, infrastructure and construction mean we are already constrained by the decisions we have inherited, but we expect the number of new homes to start rising significantly in the third year of the Parliament once our reforms take effect.”
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