As a critical friend we’ll keep quality key to the new government’s plans to build 1.5 million much needed homes
The Labour government’s housing and planning announcements mark a pivotal moment. Its goal of delivering 1.5 million homes over the next five years aims to address our housing crisis. As architects, we stand at the forefront of this renewal, ready to contribute our expertise and creativity to ensure these reforms lead to sustainable and high-quality developments.
The RIBA Policy and Public Affairs and Communications teams have done tremendous work to position us as key stakeholders in this crucial dialogue. It ensures that our members’ voices are heard and that our collective expertise is brought to bear on shaping policies that will define the future of our built environment.
RIBA’s Housing and Planning Expert Advisory Group (EAG), recently refreshed, will also play a critical role. We are actively seeking new experts in the profession, the built environment industry and adjacent and related fields to share their insights and experiences. These diverse voices will be invaluable as we navigate the complexities of the reforms and advocate for a planning system that promotes excellence in design and delivery.
Deputy PM Angela Rayner’s announcement on reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework highlights several points that resonate with RIBA goals. The focus on developing brownfield land and emphasis on high-quality design are steps in the right direction. They align with our belief that well-designed, sustainable homes are essential for creating lively communities and enabling a high quality of life.
A promising aspect is the introduction of the ‘grey belt’ designation. This innovative approach targets land on the edge of existing settlements or roads, as well as old petrol stations and car parks, for development. Prioritising these areas can minimise urban sprawl while providing much-needed housing. Additionally, the requirement for councils to consider the proximity of new homes to existing transport infrastructure will ensure developments are well-integrated and accessible.
We must seize this day to demonstrate the value of good design, with steps for how to deliver at pace and scale. Poorly designed, unattractive and unsustainable homes serve no one, and it is our responsibility to advocate for developments that are functional, engaging and environmentally responsible. The government’s commitment to making brownfield development the default first step is a positive move, but it is essential that these projects adhere to the highest standards of design and sustainability.
Proposed changes to the NPPF offer a chance to pivot policy towards a more co-ordinated, holistic system. We are developing a response to the consultation that will guide our approach. This is an opportunity to embed sustainability in planning decisions so that each development contributes to UK goals for climate and nature restoration. We can create a built environment that is resilient, adaptable, and beneficial to both people and the planet.
The government’s planning reforms must also ensure that local authorities have the resources and support they need to implement these changes effectively. We have long campaigned for local planning departments to be allocated additional resource to boost available skills and capacity.
We will work closely with the government, local authorities and other stakeholders to make sure the reforms lead to high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of our communities.
Let us embrace this challenge and act as a critical friend to the government, guiding the design and delivery of the next generation of homes that our country so desperately needs.
Muyiwa Oki is RIBA president
PEOPLE'S MEMORIAL
The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and RIBA have launched the process to select a multi-disciplinary team to design a bold, fitting, lasting memorial for Grenfell Tower. Do you have experience of working collaboratively with communities on design projects? Don’t miss the deadline – apply by noon on 18 September.