About Ufuk Bahar
Ufuk Bahar, Managing Director at Urbanist Architecture, is a leading expert in residential planning. He is renowned for his ability to secure planning permissions, including for projects on Green Belt land.
Urbanist Architecture has released a new book, ‘Green Light to Green Belt Developments,’ which critiques Labour’s recent planning system reforms. The firm argues that these reforms are insufficient to address the ongoing housing crisis.
Critique of Labour’s Reforms
Following Labour’s announcement to reinstate mandatory local housing targets, Ufuk Bahar, Managing Director at Urbanist Architecture, shared his insights. Raising the national target to 370,000 reflects the government’s commitment to transforming the housing sector, Bahar stated. “However, achieving this target poses significant challenges. England last achieved over 300,000 new homes in 1969.”
Bahar voiced concerns about meeting these ambitious targets due to a severe skills shortage in construction. “We face a shortfall of more than 150,000 construction workers. Labour’s initiatives, such as Skills England and adjustments to the apprenticeship levy, may not be enough to bridge this gap,” he added.
Concerns Over Housing Land Supply
Bahar also critiqued the proposed changes to housing land supply requirements in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation. “Authorities with current plans won’t have to prove a five-year housing land supply. Instead, those with plans in early draft or publication stages only need to show a four-year supply,” Bahar explained“. This relaxation might reduce the incentive for local authorities to approve new developments. Consequently, these changes might not adequately support the government’s goal of significantly boosting housing delivery.
Critique of ‘Grey Belt’ Definition
The book critiques the government’s definition of ‘grey belt’ in the draft NPPF consultation. Bahar noted, ‘Defining ‘grey belt’ as previously developed land or areas with a minimal impact on Green Belt purposes is overly broad. It depends on subjective evaluations, potentially leading to uneven allocation of ‘grey belt’ sites. This could worsen regional housing disparities and prompt some local authorities to skip comprehensive Green Belt boundary reviews.
Need for Strategic Review
Bahar further noted that the revised NPPF allows local authorities to alter Green Belt boundaries under exceptional circumstances but does not mandate reviews. “This optional approach might leave many areas with significant Green Belt coverage struggling to meet housing demands. To truly address the housing crisis, a strategic nationwide review of Green Belt land should be considered,” Bahar said. A comprehensive review could reveal areas where the Green Belt has a limited role in controlling urban sprawl but could substantially improve housing supply.
Insights from ‘Green Light to Green Belt Developments’
‘Green Light to Green Belt Developments,’ co-authored by Ufuk Bahar and chartered town planner Nicole Guler, delves deeper into these issues. The book acknowledges Labour’s recognition that the Green Belt can no longer be used as an excuse for failing to deliver homes. However, it argues that overcoming bureaucratic and legal obstacles remains crucial for the success of Labour’s housing promises.
The book states, “Building more homes is not enough. The entire system, from planning to execution, must support large-scale development. Labour’s housing strategy must address economic realities and provide a supportive framework for both public and private sector participation. Only then can Labour’s ambitious housing goals become reality and foster resilient communities for future generations.”
Green Light to Green Belt Developments’ is available exclusively online for £29.97.
https://urbanistarchitecture.co.uk/