Local MP Alan Mak has welcomed the announcement by the Government that it will not be implementing its proposed new housing formula, following a consultation period.
Mr Mak opposed the proposed new formula, submitting a formal consultation response stating that it was not appropriate for the Havant Constituency and holding several in-person meetings with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick and Housing Minister Christopher Pincher in the House of Commons.
In his submission to the consultation Mr Mak recognised that the Government must deliver on its December 2019 General Election manifesto commitment to deliver more homes across the country and that it’s right that everyone, especially young people and growing families, has an opportunity to own their own home, not just live with their parents or rent indefinitely. However, Mr Mak also strongly emphasised that this must be achieved in a way that takes account of local factors and constraints, including across the Havant Constituency.
An updated strategy will now be introduced prioritising brownfield sites and existing urban areas especially large cities, while ensuring that constrained areas such as the Havant Constituency are not subject to a new housing target formula. The existing housing target formula – known as the “Standard Method” – will remain in place and our local planning authority Havant Borough Council will more forward with its new Local Plan for Housing based on the current Standard Method. Local councillors will continue to decide local planning applications and housing priorities.
Under the revised proposals, cities will be encouraged to plan for more family homes and to make the most of vacant buildings and underused land to protect green spaces. The plans will encourage more homes to be built in England’s 20 largest cities and urban centres, boosting local economies by supporting jobs in the building sector, and revitalising high streets with the footfall new residents bring. Southampton is included in the list of top 20 cities.
Havant Constituency MP Alan Mak said: “I opposed the proposed new housing target formula because it was not appropriate for the Havant Constituency, and today’s confirmation that it will not be going ahead is welcome news. The existing formula is being retained, our local planning authority Havant Borough Council accepts it and will now move forward with their Local Plan for Housing based on the existing formula, with local councillors continuing to decide individual local planning applications and housing priorities.”
You can read Alan’s submission to the consultation by visiting https://www.alanmak.org.uk/PlanningConsultation
Picture: Alan Mak MP meets Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick in Westminster to campaign against the proposed new housing formula, which will not now be implemented.
