We’ve got a strong development pipeline and ambition to build at least 1,000 homes a year for the next ten. Many of these will be affordable homes.
We’re always keen to get involved in discussions relating to housing and development and recently responded to the Government’s Right to Regenerate: reform of the Right to Contest consultation.
Seeking insight and opinions into the usefulness and evolution of the right to contest, the consultation gives housing providers and others both in and out of the sector the opportunity to share insight and ideas into how better this right can be utilised to use disused land and property more effectively.
Our response in a nutshell:
- We believe the right to consent is useful as it enables public and community groups to hold public bodies to account on the use of their assets.
- We think there needs to be more specification and clear guidance on the definition of unused or underused land.
- When asked if the right should be extended to include unused and underused land owned by town and parish councils we answered yes. Why? Because we believe these parcels of land are often of most benefit to the local community.
- In relation to the possibility of imposed conditions on the disposal of land we believe that these should be to provide affordable housing, community facilities or for individuals to construct their own homes. Additionally, or for SMEs to develop properties in the local interest.
- We believe that the right should be expanded to include privately held assets, a large amount of unused land and derelict or unused housing that is held in private ownership.
- While housing provision remains in such short supply, we believe it should be incumbent to ensure that any viable site is brought forward for housing, and that communities are able to use vacant spaces to provide valuable facilities.
Take a look at our full response here.
If you’d like to chat to us about our development strategy please contact us via our press office.
