The Housing and Planning Act 2016 is a significant piece of legislation in the realm of English planning law. Enacted on 13 May 2016, the Act introduces new measures designed to help more people buy their own homes and ensure that houses are built faster. This article delves into the key aspects of the Act and its implications for home ownership and the housing market.
Key Objectives of the Housing and Planning Act 2016
The Housing and Planning Act 2016 sets out a clear determination from the government to keep the country building while giving families every opportunity to unlock the door to home ownership. The Act is designed to give housebuilders and decision-makers the tools and confidence to provide more homes and further streamline the planning system to accelerate their delivery.
One of the primary objectives of the Housing and Planning Act is to promote home ownership. The Act includes measures that underpin the voluntary Right to Buy agreement with housing associations. This agreement allows housing association tenants to purchase their homes at a discount, thereby increasing the number of homeowners across the country.
The Act introduces several provisions aimed at accelerating house building. By streamlining the planning system, the Act reduces bureaucratic delays and simplifies the approval process for new housing developments. This is intended to increase the pace at which new homes are built, addressing the ongoing housing shortage in the UK.
The Housing and Planning Act 2016 also supports the doubling of the number of custom and self-build homes by 2020. This measure encourages individuals and communities to design and build their own homes, providing more diverse housing options and catering to specific local needs.
In an effort to improve the quality of rental housing, the Act includes measures to tackle rogue landlords. These provisions aim to protect tenants from substandard living conditions and exploitative practices by introducing stricter regulations and penalties for non-compliance.
Neighbourhood planning is a process that allows communities to influence the development and growth of their local area. The Housing and Planning Act 2016 speeds up this process by streamlining the steps required to create and implement neighbourhood plans. This empowers local communities to take an active role in shaping their environment and ensuring that new developments meet their needs.
Benefits of the Housing and Planning Act 2016
The Housing and Planning Act 2016 offers several benefits to various stakeholders in the housing market. For potential homeowners, the Act provides more opportunities to purchase affordable homes through the Right to Buy scheme and the support for custom and self-build homes. For housebuilders, the streamlined planning system reduces delays and uncertainty, encouraging more investment in new housing developments.
Additionally, tenants benefit from improved protection against rogue landlords, ensuring better living conditions and greater security. Local communities also gain from a faster neighbourhood planning process, allowing them to have a say in how their areas are developed.
For more detailed guidance and assistance with planning applications and other housing-related matters, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of planning law and ensuring the success of your housing projects.