The approval follows the government’s review of the delivery process for small sites in the latest National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation, which could result in up to 1.6 million new homes developed on small sites, according to new research by LDS Sales Guarantees.

The NPPF consultation follows an intensive campaign by MP Andrew Lewer for a small sites clause, supported by an alliance of at least 40 developers and other industry bodies, such as Pocket Living, Barratt Developments, Optivo, Network Homes, and The National Housing Federation. 

In December 2022, Lewer discussed clause 12 ‘ requirements to encourage the development of small site’ which would act in favour of the development of affordable-led small sites.

It proposes that local authorities must support bringing forward sites that are less than 0.25 hectares in area and contains over 60% affordable housing.

Under Pocket Living’s proposed revision to the clause, developers would contribute at least 50% affordable housing, in a bid to turbo charge housing delivery.

The support by Barratt Developments adds significant weight to the consultation responses and is said to be a major endorsement of the role that the SME sector has to play in delivering new affordable homes on small brownfield sites.

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“The industry has spoken, and it is now time for the government to take action,” said Marc Vlessing, CEP at Pocket Living.

“Small sites should form the foundations of any flourishing housing sector, and through simple changes to policy, the government can not only support greater housing delivery, but also deliver on its levelling up agenda, at no extra cost to the treasury.”

David Thomas CEO at Barratt Developments, added that building on more small sites was a “simple and effective way” to increase housing numbers. 

“The country needs more new homes to be built, so we are happy to back Pocket Living’s campaign and response to the NPPF consultation to encourage more small sites for housing,” commented David. 

Later this afternoon, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (LUHC) Committee will be taking witnesses’ questions from the planning, local authority, and housing sectors for its work examining the government’s consultation on reforms to national planning policy.

The cross-party group of MPs is likely to examine how the reforms to national planning policy might affect planning and housing provision across England.

The committee is also expected to look at the approach to developing National Development Management Policies (NDMPs), and other proposals for planning reform resulting from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill.

The consultation on reforms to national planning policy started on 22nd December 2022 and ended on 2nd March.