PM’s ‘build, build, build’ pledge ignores green agenda

Prime minister Boris Johnson’s plans to kick-start the UK’s economy through a pledge to “build, build, build” have been slammed by industry groups as ignoring the green agenda. Johnson has promised the most radical reform of the planning system since the Second World War, under an initiative called “Project Speed”. The government will push through new permitted development rights by September, to allow demolition of empty commercial property as housing, without planning consent or developer infrastructure contributions. “We asked for ‘build back better’, but what we’ve got is ‘build, build, build’,” said Julie Hirigoyen, chief executive at the UK Green Building Council. “If we do not seize this moment, and take the opportunity to underpin our recovery plans with climate ambition, we will not achieve our target of net zero emissions by 2050.” Hirigoyen noted there was no concern over energy efficiency, net zero emissions, waste avoidance or social value and biodiversity. She said: “A frenzy of building is not equivalent to building back greener.” Stored carbon RICS policy manager Tamara Hooper added that the government “cites a desire to address carbon, but has forgotten about the large amount of stored carbon in existing buildings as they allow them to be demolished. “We welcome a new normal and looking for new ways for the housing and construction industry to recover and thrive, but oversight now will result in hindsight later.” Hooper said the RICS has concerns over the quality of homes delivered via PDR. She said: “Government has not addressed the many issues that still exist around permitted development rights and sub-standard homes, including building and space standards.” Controversial office-to-resi PDR currently allow conversions of vacant offices to housing, bypassing local authorities. They have led to a surge of homes that critics have dubbed “slums of the future”. Risk of poor design Royal Town Planning Institute head of policy Richard Blyth said: “Extended PDRs risk poorly designed and inappropriately located housing – new safeguards introduced last week only cover natural light, not space standards. “In addition, we have questions around the application of PDRs to ‘vacant’ buildings. The previous experience with PDRs since 2013 has not been at all promising.” Fiona Howie, chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, noted the prime minister’s references to “building beautiful, low-carbon homes”, but said: “It is totally unclear how the associated announcements around extending permitted development rights will achieve these priorities. “Instead of continuing to argue that the planning system is a barrier, decision makers must see planning as a crucial part of the solution.” Howie said green building and community consent should be central to any reform. She added: “Steamrolling over people’s view will be divisive and counterproductive. What we have heard from government this week is campaign rhetoric, not real leadership to enable meaningful change  to tackle our health, housing and climate crisis.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette