England launches New Homes Accelerator to speed up building thousands of new homes.

Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has kickstarted a revolutionary initiative known as the New Homes Accelerator in England. This groundbreaking project aims to fast-track the construction of hundreds of thousands of homes that are currently stuck in the planning system or left partially built.

The Ministry of Housing along with Homes England has assembled a team of experts to collaborate with local councils and government agencies in expediting housing developments. Their primary focus is to eliminate barriers caused by red tape and planning issues to stimulate economic growth nationwide.

The New Homes Accelerator team is set to address specific challenges hindering the progress of housing schemes. By working closely with key stakeholders such as housebuilders and local authorities, they aim to resolve issues swiftly and efficiently. Additionally, the team will provide support in areas where affordable housing delivery is obstructed.

With government analysis revealing around 200 large sites with approved plans awaiting construction commencement, the New Homes Accelerator has already sprung into action. By intervening early on such sites, the project aims to empower housebuilders and local communities to contribute to the revival of the construction industry and drive economic prosperity at a local level.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasised the government’s commitment to overcoming obstacles in the development system to meet the increasing housing demand. She highlighted the urgency in getting construction projects off the ground and ensuring timely planning decisions are made.

The New Homes Accelerator will initially concentrate on sites like Stretton Hall in Leicestershire, Tendring Colchester Borders Garden Community in Essex, and Biggleswade Garden Community in Central Bedfordshire. These developments have the potential to introduce over 10,000 much-needed new homes upon completion.

The project was unveiled as part of the Chancellor’s economic growth mission in July, with significant progress already witnessed in large housing projects across Liverpool, Worcester, Northstowe, and Sutton Coldfield.

To further expand its reach, a call for evidence has been issued to encourage landowners, local authorities, and housebuilders to present details of stalled sites with complex planning issues. By understanding the extent of the problem, the government aims to address the barriers hindering new home delivery effectively.

David O’Leary, the executive director of the Home Builders Federation, praised the government’s initiative to streamline the planning process and address the challenges faced by the construction industry. He underscored the importance of enhancing planning department capacity to expedite the development of new homes and create sustainable communities.

By adopting a pragmatic approach to planning, the housing market can witness a significant acceleration in the construction of new homes. This not only supports economic growth and job creation but also ensures accessibility to affordable housing for young people. The collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders is crucial in enhancing the efficiency of the housing market and meeting the growing demand for housing across the UK.