The Law Society Gazette quotes Claire Fallows on planning law reform

An article by Maria Shahid at the Law Society Gazette delves into the ambitious reforms of planning law in the UK, aimed at stimulating economic growth, addressing the housing crisis, and encouraging investment.

Despite the potential benefits,  planning permission applications are at a historic low, and local authorities are overwhelmed, raising questions about the efficacy of these reforms.

Central to regeneration efforts is the planning process, with reforms seen as vital to fulfilling the government's pledge to boost construction. The Labour Party's manifesto included promises of 1.5 million new homes, updates to the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF), and expanded devolution.

Private practice planning lawyers have noted the swift progress in updating the NPPF, but there remains scepticism about whether planning system reforms alone can overcome the barriers to housing delivery. 

Claire Fallows, Partner and Head of Planning, acknowledges that while housebuilders are keen to build, economic conditions and buyer confidence are concerns. She shares her thoughts with the Law Society Gazette: 

The flexibility from the government has been helpful.

While there is still appetite from the housebuilders I act for, there is also concern about economic conditions: 

Housebuilders are still buying land. They want to build, but ultimately they need to have somebody to sell to. You need buyers. If those buyers are concerned about their jobs and getting a mortgage and being able to pay it, they are less likely to move.

Read the full piece in the Law Society Gazette here.