The government has unveiled plans to address England’s housing shortage, setting ambitious targets and placing a focus on areas with the least affordable housing. The goal is to build 370,000 new homes annually to meet the target of 1.5 million homes within five years.
Local councils are being urged to approve projects, as millions of people face housing issues, including 1.5 million on social housing waiting lists and 160,000 children living in temporary accommodation. However, the government has not specified a date for achieving the new 370,000-home goal.
The government is prioritizing city regions with unaffordable housing and high growth potential. Notable increases include:
- St Albans: 885 → 1,660
- Oxford: 762 → 1,087
- South Oxfordshire: 579 → 1,242
- Winchester: 676 → 1,157
- Kensington and Chelsea: 1,381 → 5,107
- Westminster: 1,862 → 4,341
The South East will see targets rise by 20,000 to nearly 71,000 annually, while London’s overall target is set at 88,000, though some areas will face higher quotas.
The focus will be on brownfield sites—previously developed land like derelict commercial areas. However, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged brownfield land alone won’t meet targets. Councils will need to review green belt boundaries to identify low-quality “grey belt” areas for development, such as unused garages.
Research suggests grey belt land could support 100,000-200,000 homes, with most opportunities concentrated in southern England.
The government emphasized the need for socially rented and affordable homes, including shared-ownership and lower-rate rental properties. Developments on green belt land will require infrastructure like schools, GP surgeries, and transport systems.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that while plans start with local authorities, the government will intervene if progress stalls. However, many councils have raised concerns about infrastructure, land availability, and resource shortages in planning and construction systems.
While there are nearly 700,000 empty homes, including over 260,000 long-term vacant properties, addressing this issue is complex. Identifying owners and restoring derelict properties can be time-consuming and expensive.
The plan faces hurdles, including the need for 225,000 additional construction workers by 2027 and local councils’ resistance over feasibility concerns. Balancing development, affordability, and community infrastructure remains a significant challenge as the government moves forward.
