07 April 2006
Government attempts to speed up planning decisions must not overlook the need for house building to keep pace with economic growth, social landlords said this week.
Responding to a review of land use being carried out by economist Kate Barker, the National Housing Federation warned of the danger of relaxing planning rules and insisted economic development must be complemented by affordable housing.
Barker was asked to look into land use planning in December at the same time as the government published its response into her earlier review of housing supply. She is due to report to the Treasury and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister later this year.
In its response, the NHF said local plans should send a clear message to business on the need for sustainable, mixed-income communities and be supported by strong national and regional economic strategies.
NHF policy leader Liz Willis said pressure for faster planning decisions risked damaging progress towards environmental goals.
'A growing economy requires housing and economic policies to move in step with each other,' she added.
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