Embrace Development Orders: The Time is Now!

In a recent move, Angela Rayner took command of a proposed “garden town” project in Kent, overriding local opposition from Swale Borough Council that threatened to derail the plan. This decisive action drew mixed reactions from residents, who felt “gobsmacked” and “disgusted” by what they perceived as unwarranted central government interference. Advocates of Rayner’s stance argue that it is an essential step toward addressing the UK’s dysfunctional planning system, which has been widely criticized for its failure to accommodate the growing housing needs of the population. While many recognize the problems inherent in the current regime, including ever-increasing house prices and a lack of critical infrastructure, the bureaucratic inertia continues to stifle meaningful development. To effectively tackle this situation, reforms are necessary, and Rayner’s influence on this issue could set a significant precedent.

The ongoing housing crisis in the UK is exacerbated by a tangled web of regulations and local vetoes that inhibit robust developments. A planning system that prioritizes the voices of existing residents over the broader needs of the community has resulted in a stagnation of new construction. Despite heightened awareness and critiques of this system by multiple governments, genuine overhauls have been elusive, as politicians often succumb to pressure from constituents resistant to change. This short-sighted approach leaves the housing market vulnerable while also impacting the economy at large. A sustained lack of action in reforming the Town and Country Planning Act illustrates that while there is consensus on the need for reform, political realities result in incremental change rather than transformative action.

In light of these systemic failures, Development Orders emerge as an underutilized yet impactful solution within the existing framework of the planning system. Established in the Town and Country Planning Act of 1990, Development Orders offer a more direct route to obtaining planning permission for specific projects or designated areas, allowing government ministers to bypass local authorities altogether. Although top-down interventions are often met with skepticism, these orders are positioned as a necessary response to rigid regulations that have hindered housing supply. They possess the potential to reinvigorate new constructions by empowering decision-makers to act swiftly and decisively in response to housing demands.

Currently, Development Orders have already demonstrated some effectiveness, facilitating various forms of development, such as home extensions and film studios. However, the real promise lies in their ability to catalyze expansive housing projects, particularly in areas considered underutilized or unsuitable for development under current guidelines. By leveraging the authority granted through Development Orders, ministers have the opportunity to approve projects without the lengthy consultations and bureaucratic red tape that have become standard in planning applications. This expedited process could lead to significant increases in housing stock, particularly if targeted at sites conveniently located near transportation links, a strategy proposed by research from the Adam Smith Institute.

As they stand, Development Orders could also bring a renewed sense of security to smaller developers who currently feel overwhelmed by existing regulations. The stark reality of today’s housing market is that small builders struggle to navigate the complexities of planning processes that favor larger corporations with sufficient resources. By establishing clear criteria for projects that can proceed without interference from local councils, Development Orders could democratize the development process, enabling a diverse array of builders to enter the market. The potential for diversified participation could help counterbalance the market, leading to a more competitive environment that ultimately benefits consumers and communities alike.

In summary, the UK’s entrenched planning problems play a significant role in both the ongoing housing crisis and broader economic stagnation. With Development Orders as a tactical countermeasure, there exists a viable pathway to scale up housebuilding and alleviate some of the pressures currently experienced in the housing market. For politicians like Angela Rayner, embracing and championing the use of Development Orders could pave the way for a more effective and responsive planning system. The government has a responsibility to right the wrongs created by its previous policies, and utilizing existing powers in innovative ways may be the key to unlocking a brighter future for housing in the UK.