What's Happening?
The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has released a report indicating that nearly 30,000 homes in England are delayed due to planning authorities withholding permissions over perceived drainage capacity concerns. This includes 7,000 affordable homes. The report highlights that local authorities are refusing consent even when statutory water and sewerage undertakers confirm that capacity exists or no issue is anticipated. The HBF argues that this misapplication of planning policy exacerbates the housing crisis and undermines confidence in the planning system. The report calls for clearer national guidance to realign local planning authorities with established responsibilities, emphasizing that wastewater infrastructure adequacy should be addressed by water companies through their statutory duties.
Why It's Important?
The delay in housing development due to sewage concerns has significant implications for the housing market and economy. The blocked homes represent almost £900 million in S106 contributions and risk over 100,000 jobs and nearly £7 billion in economic activity for local areas. The situation highlights the need for effective coordination between planning authorities and utility companies to meet housing supply targets. The HBF's call for government intervention underscores the urgency of addressing infrastructure challenges to prevent further exacerbation of the housing crisis.
What's Next?
The HBF urges the government to reassert paragraph 201 of the National Planning Policy Framework and remind planning authorities that wastewater issues should not intrude into development management decisions. It also calls for strategic infrastructure plans by water companies, in collaboration with Ofwat and the Environment Agency, to support the government's home building targets. The report cites a successful intervention in Oxford, where the Environment Agency withdrew demands for planning conditions tied to wastewater capacity, unlocking 18,000 homes.
