Atelier launches manifesto in “urgent” call to government



Atelier has launched a manifesto featuring eight “urgent” calls for the government to do more in supporting SME developers to build more homes.



The manifesto is the product of a roundtable discussion held by Atelier, but featuring representatives from across the industry. Experts from We Build, Stancliffe Homes, Iesis Group, Allsop, Hugh James and Newsteer were in attendance.

At this event, industry representatives agreed that the government will likely fail to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years unless “viable solutions to unburden private developers” were adopted.

In its eight recommendations, the manifesto has also called for greater uniformity in decision-making between local authorities.

The eight key areas raised in the manifesto are:

  • A cultural shift. “Taking the politics out of planning departments” through the introduction of a National Scheme of Delegation to help fast-track applications
  • Approval incentives. Giving individual planning officers development targets to incentivise commerciality and accountability.
  • Transparency in CIL payments. Greater transparency around local authorities and where CIL payments are being spent
  • The promotion of CIL schemes. Promotion of local CIL-funded projects to demonstrate the infrastructure contributions private developers make.
  • Hitting the brief. Requirement for planning departments to develop a brief on what the local area needs to ensure development plans align with local demand
  • Tackling viability and streamlining cost burdens. Small scheme exemption from Section 106 payments; alongside the reintroduction of Section 106BA and the reintroduction of the ‘Free-Go’ for re-submitted applications
  • Community engagement. Requirement for developers and local authorities to consult with local communities and challenge anti-development and NIMBY rhetoric
  • Designated intermediaries. Establishment of pro-investment intermediaries within local authorities to engage developers, drive investment and kickstart projects.

In presenting the manifesto, Atelier CEO Chris Gardner said the current system “neglects” wannabe homeowners in the UK.

“Taking a step back, we need to see a transformation in the leadership and culture of the system so that we are once again encouraging development,” he added.

“Planning officers need to know that they are supported when they make unpopular decisions. If you’re going to build 1.5 million houses you need to be bold, and the government needs to be driving that from the top.”

The housing industry has become increasingly outspoken in recent months in urging the government to do more to back up its 1.5 million housing target.

Yesterday, further scrutiny was raised when the Home Builders Federation released research that found £8bn of CIL payments had yet to be spent by councils across England and Wales.

This included enough affordable housing contributions to create 11,000 homes.



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