Councils have been urged to examine new approaches to building affordable housing as part of their role in planning for developments.
In a report published today, the Local Government Association and the Homes and Communities Agency outline the options available to councils to make housing developments central to local areas.
The report finds that, following the introduction of the government’s planning reforms, councils are best placed to persuade local residents to back developments.
Town halls should work with local communities to establish a ‘clear vision’ for housing, with a strong local plan outlining the required design, quality and style of buildings, the report said.
Among the approaches for new build that should be considered are build-to-rent developments, and Community Right to Build. Councils may be able to bid for HCA funding for these, and need to investigate what public land is suitable for this use.
Meeting local housingdemand highlights some existing examples, including Manchester and Birmingham city councils unlocking public land to start a build-to-rent market.
Cherwell Council, in north Oxfordshire, is praised for bringing together its land, funding, powers, welfare policy and community programmes into a single, community-backed housing plan.
David Parsons, chair of the LGA’s environment and housing board, said that councils must use all the powers they have to defuse the ‘ticking housing time bomb’ in the country.
He said: ‘Clearly there is a massive challenge to bring down housing waiting lists and to deliver new affordable housing, but it is one which councils are ready to take the lead on.
‘There are a number of options for councils to utilise, and I know they are all thinking ambitiously about how to deliver new housing, whilst improving existing homes. All partners, including government and the HCA, have an important role in ensuring councils have the tools and flexibility to deliver effectively for their communities.’
HCA chief executive Pat Ritchie said she hoped the report would be ‘an invaluable tool’ with lessons for councils looking to meet housing demand.
She added: ‘We know these are challenging times, and the HCA, in its enabling role, is on hand to lend full support to its local partners in addressing the issues they are facing around this.’
