In a piece of research looking at proposed revisions to the framework, Savills has written that though these are “broadly positive for housing development” that there is still “limited detail” on certain key areas.

This will come down to a “step change” in housebuilding, according to Savills, with expansion of development capacity to support planning reforms.

The research posits that an increased volume of smaller sites that can be delivered by SME developers should be factored into plans that so far are focusing on large, complex schemes. Here, Savills pointed out that similar recommendations have been made by the Home Builders Federation and the Competition and Markets Authority.

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Savills has also recommended that housing associations are given additional financial support to use Section 106 powers, with many of these organisations being priced out of the market due to rising costs and below inflation rent rises.

Here, a consideration of local housing markets needs to be factored in when assessing affordable housing needs.

According to Savills, the majority of affordable housing stock delivered through Section 106 powers have been in the south and east of England. Conversely, this has not been the case in the north of the country.

Savills suggests that should be factored in regarding green belt land release, as NPPF reforms suggest a minimum of 50% affordable tenures as a prerequisite for land release.

Here, Savills concludes this requirement would act as a disincentive for green belt land to be brought forward.