News update on recent Government announcements on Housing Policy and Consultations.

Note, the policies and consultations referenced below are general housing rather than anything with specific almshouse angles, so they are being posted on our website for members’ general awareness.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) – New housing developments to deliver nature boost in landmark move. 

In a world first, developers in England are now required to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments. These rules apply to all major development planning applications from 12 February 2024. Small developments (under 10 dwellings) are exempt until 2 April 2024. 

There are a small number of exemptions, including “de minimus” if both (i) the development does not impact on any onsite priority habitat and (ii) if there is an impact to another onsite habitat, that impact must be on less than 25 square metres (e.g. less than 5m x 5m square) of onsite habitat with a biodiversity value greater than zero and on less than 5 metres of onsite linear habitat (such as a hedgerow). 

Biodiversity 10% gain is calculated against the pre-development biodiversity value of the land, which is based on metric data value inputs including habitat type, size, distinctiveness, condition and its location in the local area. These can be achieved on-site or off-site or as a last resort through statutory biodiversity credits. 

Significant on-site and all off-site gains will need a legal agreement with a responsible body or local authority to monitor the habitat improvements over the 30 year period.  

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/biodiversity-net-gain

Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme 

The Government has announced a £3 billion increase in a government-backed loan fund, with which it expects 20,000 new affordable homes will be built across England. The expansion of the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme, which provides low-cost loans to housing providers, will support thousands of new homes. For the first time, the scheme can also be used to upgrade existing properties, making them warm and decent for tenants. Providers will be able to apply for loans to carry out vital building safety works, such as the removal of dangerous cladding. 

Backed by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the now £6 billion fund will help housing providers access low-cost loans so they can expand their business, build more affordable homes and upgrade their existing stock.   Schemes involving conversion from commercial to residential use will be eligible.  Eligibility criteria applies, including the need to be a Private Registered Provider as defined in Section 80(3) of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 i.e. Registered Providers of Social Housing. 

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-guarantee-scheme-rules-affordable-homes-guarantee-scheme-2020/affordable-homes-guarantee-scheme-2020

Prioritise building on Brownfield Land  

The Government has instructed Councils in England to prioritise building on brownfield land as a priority, with planning authorities in England’s largest 20 cities and towns to be made to follow a “brownfield presumption” if housebuilding drops below expected levels.   

For Greater London, this will also include a review on the threshold for referral of a planning application of potential strategic importance to the Mayor of London, which is currently set at 150 dwellings. National Planning Policy will also be changed to give significant weight to the benefits of delivering as many homes as possible and taking a flexible approach in applying planning policies or guidance relating to the internal layout of development.  The Brownfield Developments consultation will run until 24 March 2024. 

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-planning-policy-for-brownfield-development

Proposed changes to permitted development rights (PDR)

The Government is running a consultation on changes to permitted development rights in England that allow for householder developments, building upwards to create new homes including on blocks of flats, the demolition of certain buildings and rebuild as homes, electric vehicle charge points and air source heat pumps. The PDR consultation will run until 9 April 2024. 

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changes-to-various-permitted-development-rights-consultation

posted 15 February 2024