Sharma hails support for Build to Rent ambitions

3 Aug 17

There is widespread industry support for government plans to boost the private rented sector, according to housing minister Alok Sharma. 

The government has been consulting on its Build to Rent plans following the publication of the housing white paper in February.

It wants to change planning rules so councils proactively plan for more Build to Rent homes where there is need. Under Build to Rent, developers would offer longer term, more family friendly and affordable rents.

“Whether renting or owning all families should have the security they need to be able to plan for the future,” Sharma said.

“That’s why as part of our plan to fix the broken housing market we’ve been taking action to create a bigger and better private rental market, supporting new Build to Rent developments so that tenants can have greater choice.”

Melanie Leech, chief executive at the British Property Federation, said: “We fully support the introduction of affordable private rent, and the inclusion of Build to Rent and affordable private rent within the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance.

“A multi-tenure approach where all housing sectors receive the right policy support is critical to fixing the UK’s broken housing market.”

Sharma also announced a £65m investment into the largest Rent to Buy site at the Wembley Park development in Brent, London, which will see 7,600 homes built, 6,800 of which will be for rent.

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