Government abandons planning algorithm

The consultation on changes to the planning system has resulted in the government scrapping plans to introduce an algorithm that would have increased housebuilding in the south of England.

The plan had caused consternation among Conservative MPs.

Today’s MHCLG announcement said: “A housing need formula is currently used to provide a starting point in the process of local planning for new homes. An updated method will now be introduced to help councils to enable the delivery of 300,000 homes a year by the mid-2020s, while prioritising brownfield sites and urban areas.

“Under the proposals, cities will be encouraged to plan for more family homes and to make the most of vacant buildings and underused land to protect green spaces. The plans will encourage more homes to be built in England’s 20 largest cities and urban centres, boosting local economies by supporting jobs in the building sector, and revitalising high streets with the footfall new residents bring.”

It added that the government also intends to revise the so-called “80/20 rule” in which 80% of housing investment goes to affluent areas in London and the south east.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick said: “This government wants to build more homes as a matter of social justice, …