Gove to push for brownfield sites. Biodiversity net gain comes into effect. More mortgages into arrears.
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Micheal Gove to push forward brownfield sites.
Micheal Gove, Housing Secretary will announce measures to convert derelict buildings and used sites into buildings.
Brownfield sites have long been a source of contention in planning, with many calling for their prioritisation over green belt or greenfield sites.
Gove said: “Today marks another important step forward in our Long-Term Plan for Housing, taking a brownfield first approach to deliver thousands of new homes where people want to live and work, without concreting over the countryside.”
All English Councils will receive guidance on this prioritisation.
Biodiversity net gain comes into effect
New planning rules have come into force for developers called biodiversity net gain.
These rules require developers to submit a biodiversity net gain plan as part of their planning application.
Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: “Biodiversity Net Gain will help us deliver the beautiful homes the country needs, support wildlife and create great places for people to live.”
This was a part of the Environment Act 2021, BNG is measured through a statutory tool – developers must provide 10% BNG.
This 10% figure can be provided through both on and off-site measures and will apply from the 12th to major developments and from the 2nd of April for developments of between 1 and 9 plots.
Rob Perrins, Chief Executive of Berkeley Group, said: “Biodiversity Net Gain is a positive step for the homebuilding industry and will bring nature back to our towns and cities. Putting this into practice on over 50 sites has been a hugely positive experience for Berkeley Group and these greener, wilder landscapes have huge benefits for the communities around them.”
While a step forward, there are critics saying that the policy doesn’t go far enough and as a result it may say amendments going forward.
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18% more landlords and 5% more homeowners in arrears during Q4 2023
UK Finance has published figures on the number of people behind on their mortgages for Q4 of last year.
18% more landlords are in arrears, numbering 13,750 buy-to-let mortgages of 2.5% or more. 6,800 of these were between 2.5% and 5% behind.
35,940 homeowners are in arrears of between 2.5 and 5%, an increase of 5%.
540 homes and 500 buy-to-lets, were taken into possession, interest rates remain high however this represents a decrease from Q3s high by 14 and 11% respectively.
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