More Land May Not Mean Cheaper Housing

In the face of a proposal that would lighten planning controls over some new development in England, a recent report says that making more land available for development will not lower housing prices and will lead to sprawl.

1 minute read

July 26, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Nate Berg

"The research tracked house prices, completions and housing land supply over periods of 10 years or more."

"It suggests that proposals to relax planning controls could 'unleash a new wave of urban sprawl' in the country."

"The government is currently considering proposals that would see minor developments such as conservatories no longer needing planning permission, where there is judged to be little impact on neighbours."

"Campaign to Protect Rural England policy director Neil Sinden said: 'Evidence uncovered by this study suggests the government needs to rethink its planning policies for housing.'"

"'The relaxation of planning controls, which it is pursuing, will encourage builders to use more greenfield land rather than redevelop more difficult urban sites.'"

FULL STORY: Land 'no cure for housing crisis'

Saturday, July 21, 2007 in BBC

Housing Land Use United Kingdom

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