Berkeley warns over-regulation a drag on planning reform gains

In a buying and selling assertion this morning, the agency stated it had seen a modest enchancment in demand. But it surely highlighted that for this to proceed and gross sales charges to return nearer to the degrees of three years in the past, there wanted to be higher confidence within the trajectory of rate of interest reductions and wider financial stability.

The home builder stated it welcomed lengthy overdue reforms to planning however warned that the features risked being undermined by creeping regulatory reform round constructing security.

“We stay massively inspired by the change in mind-set over planning, led to by the Authorities’s planning reforms and housing supply ambitions which we absolutely assist,” stated the developer.

Berkeley stated this had assist it to make good progress, securing essential amendments on 10 of its long-term regeneration websites.

“We at the moment are working with our native authority companions to finalise the Part 106 agreements and clear situations on quite a lot of these to allow them to be carried out. We’re additionally actively appraising quite a lot of alternatives within the land market.

“Nonetheless, Berkeley stays involved by the impression of the extent and tempo of regulatory modifications of current years, as we now await particulars of the brand new Constructing Security Levy.

“Taken collectively, these incremental modifications place vital stress on the supply of latest properties. 

“We’re additionally working exhausting in making ready the Constructing Security instances required beneath the pre-start on web site Gateway 2 approval course of carried out by the brand new Constructing Security Regulator.

“Alongside the remainder of the trade, together with the G15 group of Housing Associations, we consider a assessment of this course of is critical to make sure it meets its targets with out incurring additional delays to supply, and thereby helps the Authorities’s housing ambitions.”