Political changes create new opportunity

Political changes create new opportunity

Rory Baker

Rory Baker

Dec, 19 2024

Farmers hoping to realise greater value from their land holding should be aware that political change has created some opportunities for diversification and development projects, advises a leading consultancy. 

The Labour Government’s new house building targets are just one of these opportunities, highlights Rory Baker of Ceres Property, who adds that the Government has an ambition to build 1.5 million new homes over the current parliament. 

In tackling the housing crisis, Labour is hoping to kickstart economic growth with its plans after a significant period of stagnation, he notes. 

“In order to do this, it is introducing planning reforms through an updated National Planning Policy Framework, which will hopefully address the housing supply and land shortages, as well as the strains on local infrastructure and services that we are all familiar with.”  

As well as introducing new mandatory housing targets for councils, there is an on-going review of the Green Belt to identify ‘grey belt’ land, plus new measures to stimulate local plan-making across the country. There is also a strong focus on the delivery of affordable housing and social infrastructure to address the housing shortage. 

Local plans mean that communities have a say in the building of homes and infrastructure – ensuring a balance between addressing housing needs, promoting economic growth and preserving the environment. 

However, the new targets won’t be met if not enough land comes forward through the planning process, notes Rory. “That’s why local housing targets are linked to Green Belt reform – a significant amount of new housing is expected to be built on grey belt land.” 

The definition of grey belt includes land that offers little contribution to the function of the Green Belt, namely previously developed sites such as old petrol stations and car parks, as well as former livery yards and equestrian facilities, he adds. 

“The introduction of the grey belt concept and changes to Green Belt policies will make it easier to unlock Green Belt land considered suitable for redevelopment.” 

“This could open up significant areas for development, especially in urban fringe areas.” 

Housing development is just one opportunity: the Government is also committed to making it easier to build key infrastructure, such as data centres, as well as making changes to deliver wind and solar projects across the country.  

These are further openings for landowners, notes Rory, either by promoting land for strategic development or disposing of individual sites for other purposes, such as renewable energy. 

“We know that roads and public transport investment is another commitment from Labour, so rail upgrades in the north of the country and initiatives such as HS2 and E/W Rail, as well as local schemes, are all in the mix as far as farmers are concerned.” 

Landowners with potentially suitable sites for any of these openings must be prepared to engage and influence, he summarises. “Development is an emotional topic and there will be regulatory and planning barriers, despite reform.” 

Ceres Property is a specialist consultancy providing tailored property, development and planning advice to clients. For more information, visit www.ceresproperty.co.uk 

  

  

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