‘Use it or lose it’ threat is built on shaky foundations

Paul Smith CROP

Proposals to force developers to speed up housing build rates are based on a false premise. They are likely to make the problem worse, says Paul Smith

Last week, MPs on the housing, communities and local government committee at Westminster published a report outlining their views on the government’s emerging planning reforms. One of their main recommendations was to introduce “use it or lose it” planning permissions aimed at speeding up build rates. 

Developers would have just 18 months to start on site once permission has been granted, and would be liable for council tax on any homes still unbuilt after three years. These changes, they thought, would stop land banking.

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