Berkeley warns over-regulation a drag on planning reform gains

In a buying and selling assertion this morning, the agency stated it had seen a modest enchancment in demand. However it highlighted that for this to proceed and gross sales charges to return nearer to the degrees of three years in the past, there wanted to be better confidence within the trajectory of rate of interest reductions and wider financial stability.

The home builder stated it welcomed lengthy overdue reforms to planning however warned that the positive aspects risked being undermined by creeping regulatory reform round constructing security.

“We stay vastly inspired by the change in mind-set over planning, led to by the Authorities’s planning reforms and housing supply ambitions which we totally help,” stated the developer.

Berkeley stated this had assist it to make good progress, securing essential amendments on 10 of its long-term regeneration websites.

“We at the moment are working with our native authority companions to finalise the Part 106 agreements and clear situations on numerous these to allow them to be applied. We’re additionally actively appraising numerous alternatives within the land market.

“Nonetheless, Berkeley stays involved by the impression of the extent and tempo of regulatory modifications of latest years, as we now await particulars of the brand new Constructing Security Levy.

“Taken collectively, these incremental modifications place important stress on the supply of recent houses. 

“We’re additionally working onerous in making ready the Constructing Security instances required below the pre-start on web site Gateway 2 approval course of applied by the brand new Constructing Security Regulator.

“Alongside the remainder of the trade, together with the G15 group of Housing Associations, we consider a assessment of this course of is important to make sure it meets its aims with out incurring additional delays to supply, and thereby helps the Authorities’s housing ambitions.”