Govt Reports New Homes Accelerator Unblocks 100,000 New Builds

NEARLY 100,000 new homes on large developments previously stuck in the planning system, or otherwise stalled, are now progressing more quickly, the government says.

The New Homes Accelerator, launched last August, says it has unblocked developments on large consented sites through its housing and regeneration agency, Homes England.

The New Homes Accelerator provided additional planning capacity in selected local authorities and removed regulatory hurdles on 36,000 planned new homes in England.

The team has also “driven forward” planning proposals for another 63,000 homes through engaging with arms-length bodies and other government departments, the Government says.

New Homes Accelerator

The Accelerator will now tackle specific problems on six new sites including Comeytrowe, also known as Orchard Grove, in Somerset, Wisley Airfield in Guildford, North Leigh Park in Wigan and Hampden Fields in Aylesbury, alongside two further sites confirmed in London, at Billet Road and High Road West. This will speed construction of 12,000 homes including 25% affordable housing.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner said the New Homes Accelerator to speed up the delivery of homes, will “meet our stretching 1.5 million homes target through the Plan for Change”.

Sites such as Worcestershire Parkway where 4,500 homes will be delivered, saw the New Homes Accelerator working with councils and housebuilders to fast-track delivery.

At the 1,730 homes Wisley Airfield site in Guildford, the Accelerator helped Taylor Wimpey start on site by facilitating quick responses from statutory consultees, providing strategic support to the local planning authority to begin work on the necessary infrastructure.

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