We have submitted a response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation. The consultation’s suggested approach to empowering local planning authorities follows a similar approach to Abri, where our services and investment are tailored towards addressing local issues and meeting specific community needs.
It’s critical that housing supply continues to be delivered at pace. We’d like to see how this new approach will ensure housing numbers will not drop as this will in turn affect the number of affordable homes available at a time when they are needed most. Abri is committed to building more quality, affordable homes, averaging at least 1,000 new homes a year, and will continue to work with our authorities to deliver.
We believe everyone has the right to a safe, warm and sustainable home. We’re pleased to see the importance of energy efficiency through adapting existing buildings is being considered as part of the consultation. Making homes more energy efficient will not only help tackle climate change but also reduce the cost of energy bills for households. Abri is committed to investing £435m in improving our existing homes over the next ten years, this includes making our homes more energy efficient. We aim to retrofit as many homes as possible to reach a minimum of EPC band C by 2030.
We will work with our trade body, the National Housing Federation, alongside other associations, to support with the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee inquiry, to evidence the impact housing associations have in meeting the needs of our communities, and how the NPPF supports this.