LSL Land & New Homes responds to Government's aim to build 1 million homes by 2020

Whilst we welcome the government’s desire to build a million new homes in England by 2020, the fact is until the basics fundamentals are addressed this dream is highly unlikely to become a reality.  

More small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) need to be encouraged – perhaps through incentivisation -  to build more houses and, in turn, although there’s been support through the National Planning Policy Framework,  we need more planning reform to ensure what is built is appropriate and meets demand for affordable housing. And, of course, the government also needs to face up to the woeful lack of skilled labour, and in some cases materials, to build the houses.

Ultimately, without an urgent focus on these areas, it won’t just be the last three years that see a housing deficit but the years to come too.