BPF delighted at Labour's recognition of housing

Housing Wed, Mar 23, 2016 10:35 AM

BPF delighted at Labour's recognition of housing

The property industry has backed Labour’s plans to consider designating large-scale housing as national infrastructure.

Shadow chancellor Ed Balls today published for consultation a draft remit for a new National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) which sets out 10 National Infrastructure Goals, one of which is to “ensure that the enabling infrastructure is in place to support rapid housing development and that housing investment is integrated with investment in transport and utilities.”

He announced that a Labour government would introduce legislation to set up an independent NIC, as was proposed by the Armitt Review of Infrastructure in 2012, in the first Queen’s Speech after the election.

The British Property Federation (BPF) has consistently lobbied government to include residential into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Plan (NSIP) regime, repeatedly pointing out that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) advocates mixed-use development, and that sustainable communities need to include a mix of both commercial and residential units. Including a provision for residential in the NSIP regime could help unlock significant amounts of much-needed housing development.

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said: “We are delighted to see that Labour would like to see housing recognised as nationally significant infrastructure.

"If we are to deliver housing at scale at the same time as creating commercial hubs that will drive economic growth, we need to encourage the development of well-connected, mixed-use communities where people can both live and work. Including residential within the NSIP process would be a significant step forward in this respect, and we hope that whoever is in power after the next election takes this forward.”

Featured News

Specification news
The Infinity range - exceptional rainwater performance...

When it comes to metal rainwater systems, Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS)...

Read More >>

Specification news
>B< PRESS – the quick and sustainable solution

>B< Press fittings from Conex Bänninger have been extensively used on a large...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Your high performance facade panel. With James Hardie, It’s Possible™ Brochure

Your high performanc...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

James Hardie brings unique designs to life with beautiful fibre cement products that are built to last. It’s Possible™ Brochure

James Hardie brings...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

fermacell® The Specification Guide Brochure

fermacell® The Speci...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

Hardie backer fibre cement backerboard for Tile & Stone  Brochure

Hardie backer fibre...
By James Hardie

Download Now >>

RIVERSTONE® - DISCOVER NATURAL PHYLLITE Brochure

RIVERSTONE® - DISCOV...
By SSQ

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Senses White Fleck Kitchen Surfaces
Senses White Fleck Kitchen Surfaces

Senses Kitchen Surfaces. Beautifully Crafted, Effortlessly Maintained. The Senses range of...

Read More >>

SM 485: fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors
SM 485: fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors

FASSA's new SM 485: Your choice for a fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors,...

Read More >>

SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors
SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors

FASSA's new SL 416: A fast-setting, self-levelling smooth coat for interior floors. With superb...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers
Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Specification Insights with Majestic London Showers

Watch Now >>

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>