Michael Gove is planning to amend planning laws in England in order to address the housing crisis. The proposed changes, set to be announced on Monday, will allow for more home extensions and conversions of shops into houses. The aim is to provide greater flexibility for property extensions and loft conversions while also protecting the interests of neighbors.
Additionally, the new rules will enable the transformation of shops, takeaways, and betting shops into living spaces. Gove argues that it is important for Britain to make better use of existing buildings. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has stated that these proposals are intended to revitalize high streets and increase housing density in inner cities, rather than promoting urban sprawl.
Lisa Nandy, the Labour Party’s shadow housing secretary, has criticized the announcement, considering it an inadequate response to the housing shortage.
Gove’s speech on reforming national permitted development rights is also expected to include plans to reduce restrictions on barn conversions and agricultural building repurposing. Prior to his speech, Gove emphasized the need for more homes in suitable locations while protecting the countryside. He also highlighted the importance of utilizing empty shops or offices for housing purposes.
The announcement comes shortly after a parliamentary committee warned that the government’s target of delivering 300,000 new homes annually is unlikely to be met. The target has been downgraded to an advisory status, causing concerns among MPs.
In response to these developments, Labour leader Keir Starmer has pledged to restore the 300,000 housing target if he becomes prime minister in the expected 2024 election. Labour’s Clive Betts, chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities committee, has criticized the impact of the target’s downgrade on efforts to increase homebuilding.
Lisa Nandy has already announced plans to ease the construction of homes on unsightly greenbelt areas if Labour is elected. She argues that bolder action is necessary to address the housing crisis, including restoring housing targets and reforming compulsory purchase rules.